Full text of "Historical and genealogical memoir of the family of Poyntz : or, eight centuries of an English house"

See other formats

anxa
87-B
18601
Pt.l

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL

MEMOIE

OF THE

FAMILY OF POYNTZ,

mMmmm-mi

SIR JOHN MACLEAN, F.S.A., &c.

PART I.

PRIVATELY PRINTED BY WILLIAM POLLARD, NORTH STREET, EXETER.

E. K WATEPWOUSE.

The Title page, Preface &c. and the Index will be issued
with the last Part.

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2014

https://archive.org/details/historicalgeneal01macl

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

CHAPTEE I.

The origin of the family of Poyntz, like that of many other ancient families,
is covered by a thick veil which no genealogist has yet been able to raise.
Several have made the attempt but, hitherto, without success. The earliest
progenitor of the family of whom we have any certain historical knowledge is one
Pons or Pontz. He is alleged, and probably with truth, to have formed one of the
army of William of Normandy, or to have come over and settled in England soon
after the Conquest ; but we have no mention of him personally. He would seem
to have had considerable grants of lands in different counties and to have died
before 1086, for his fiefs had then passed to his sons, who are named in the Great
Inquest, to whom we shall advert presently. But who was Pons or Pontz?

Mr. Arthur Clifford, in his " Collectanea Cliffordiana," has attempted to
affiliate him, claiming for him a descent from William Count of Hiesmes, an
illegitimate son of Richard L, Duke of Normandy. This William was the elder
brother of Richard II., son of Richard I. by Gunnor, said to have been a
lady of a distinguished Danish race. Saving his illegitimacy, therefore, he
would have been the heir to the Ducal Crown, and if we are to believe William
of Jumiges, and after him Wace, he was in this respect in no way inferior to
his brother, for the former author states that Duke Richard I. did not many
Gunnor until after the birth of several of his children, and probably Richard
was one of them. Whether or no it was from a knowledge of this circumstance
and his belief in his superior claims to the Duchy does not appear, but it is
said that he was forming treacherous designs against his brother, which coming
to his brother's knowledge, he was seized and cast into the tower of Rouen,
from which, after a confinement of five years, he escaped, and throwing himself
at his brother's feet prayed for pardon, which was cordially and kindly granted,
and Richard moreover bestowed upon him the county of Eu, together with the
hand of the beautiful Leceline daughter of the noble Turketil, from which

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

marriage Mr. Clifford claims the descent of the family. He says : William Count
of Eu had by his wife Esseline four sons, Eobert his successor, who founded the
Benedictine Abbey of Trefort and accompanied William the Conqueror to
England ; William, who was Count of Soisson ; Hugh, Bishop of Lisieux in
Normandy ; and Ponts who also went over to England where he settled and
was the ancestor of the illustrious family of Clifford. We are not contesting
this last mentioned fact, but shall at this stage confine our attention to the
parentage of Pons. Upon this point we may state that we have no knowledge
that William Count of Hiesmes and Eu had any other sons than Eichard, Eobert,
and William shewn in the first pedigree in Lappenberg's " History of England
under the Anglo-Norman Kings " ; and the only authority quoted for this
alleged important descent is a paper said to contain notes by old Mr. Clifford
of Frampton (co. Grlouc.) in 1602 relating to the Clifford Family. These notes,
it is said, are probably drawn up by the writer from authentic documents in
his possession. This, however, is not sufficient to satisfy any genealogist of the
present day.

The author of " The Norman People " unhesitatingly gives another descent
for Pons, saying he was descended either from Manno or Pontius, Barons or
Princes of Pons in Saintonge, nobles of Gothic race and benefactors to Savigny,
but he gives no authority for this affiliation.

In these circumstances we may, perhaps, be pardoned for indulging in a
guess ourselves, for we do not presume to offer more than a conjecture. Pons
or Ponts, so far as we know, is not a Norman name, but would seem to be
French. It was a prevailing name in the powerful and influential family of
the Counts of Tholouse. Ponce succeeded William as the sixth Count in 919,
and was a man greatly celebrated in the Chronicles of Tholouse. To him
succeeded the Counts of St. Giles. Eaymond II., Count of St. Giles, bought
Tholouse in 1096. He greatly distinguished himself in the Holy Land in the
first Crusade, especially at the capture of Tripoli. He had a son named Bertram
who succeeded his father as Count of Tholouse in 1099. He also made himself
famous in the Holy Land and was made Count of Tripoli in 1112. By Hela
his wife, daughter of Eudo Count of Sicily, he had a son named Pons, who
like his father and grandfather shewed himself a gallant soldier in the Holy
War. He was one of the many christian knights who, with King Baldwin II.,
through an ambush fell into the hands of the Saracens at Edessa, were made
prisoners and kept at hard labour. At the expiration of a year, however, they
took courage, overpowered and slew their guards, seized the castle and departed
with much booty. Pons was slain 1137 under the walls of his own Castle of

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Monte Pelegrine in an engagement with the infidels. He married Cecilia,
daughter of Louis VI., King of France, and relict of Tancred son of Eudo,
called the Good Marquis. There was another Pons contemporary with the last,
and his first cousin, son of Count Melguel, a house of great importance, and a
nephew, like Pons last mentioned, of Raymond de St. Giles and Tholouse and
godson of Pope Paschal II. He became a monk at Oluni and was elected
Abbot in 1112, which office he was obliged to resign in 1125, and died at
Eome, 23rd December, 1128.

These eminent members of the family of the name of Pons only are men-
tioned, no one of whom is likely to be the Pons in question, but from the
prevalence of the name for so long a time it is not unlikely there might have
been another so-called, less distinguished, who might have taken part in the
invasion of England. We have no evidence to shew this, and only lay it before
the reader as a possibility, and, if true, an ancestor at least as probable and as
distinguished as either of those assigned to the family.

It is uncertain, as we have above stated, whether Pons formed one of the
army of invasion, or whether like many other Normans he settled in England
subsequently, but from the extent of his grants of lands in divers counties and
for other reasons to be presently stated we consider the former most probable.

There is absolutely no trustworthy record of the leaders of the Norman
arni}r. Numerous lists have been put forward under the name of the Battle
Abbey Poll, as many as ten or more, but they all differ both in respect to
names and numbers, and bear evidence that they have been compiled by
different persons. The writer of the greatest authority, and he was not a
contemporary, though highly eulogised by Mr. Freeman for his general accuracy,
was Eobert Wace an Augustinian Canon of Bayeux before mentioned, born in
1100, and may perhaps be trusted as far as he goes, but after describing the
battle of Senlac, and giving the names of the Barons present, he frankly acknow-
ledges : " Many other barons there were whom I have not named, for I cannot
give account of them all, nor can I tell of all the feats they did for I would
be tedious. Neither can I give the names of all the barons, nor the surnames
of all whom the Duke brought over from Normandy.1" Would he had been
less scrupulous ! In the list of those who followed the Duke into England
we do not find the name of Pons or Pontz. In the rhyming Chronicle,
however, attributed to John Brompton, Abbot of Jorvaux,2 there is a list of
240 names from which we make the following extract : —

1 Roman do Rou.

2 John Brompton became xibbot of Jorvaux in 16th Henry VI.

J32

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Merle & Mowbray.
Gornay & Courtenay.
Hanstlaing & Turnay.
Husee & Husay.

Pouncliardon and Pomeray.

Longevil & Longespay
Payns and Pontelarge.
Straunge & Sauuage.1

We do not find the name of Payns among the Domesday tenants in capite,
and it becomes a question whether Payns is not a misprint or mistake for
Poyns, which latter word would much better suit the rhythm of the text.
On referring to Brompton's MS. in the British Museum we find the second
letter is not "a" as printed, and is either "o" or a blotted " e."2

Sir Thomas D. Hardy, however, says of this MS. : " Whether John Brompton
was the compiler or merely the owner of the chronicle is not known, but the
latter is the more probable ; at all events it must have been drawn up after
the middle of the fourteenth century, as it contains many extracts from Higden,
who is referred to. Whatever connexion John Brompton may have had with
this work, it seems to have taken its present form at least after the middle of
the fourteenth century ; but it would appear from the mention of John of Ely,
Bishop of Norwich (Coll. 747, line 28), with the declared intention of con-
tinuing it only to the time of Edward I., that its basis was a previous com-
pilation, and, as it seems probable from certain internal notices, by a person
connected with the diocese of Norwich."3

Brompton says that on account of the variation which he found in the
names given at the font, such as Edward for Edmond, he had omitted them
altou'ether.

Pox, in his " Acts and Monuments," printed another list by the Norman
chronicler Tailleur, taken out of the " Annals of Normandy " in French, evi-
dently derived from the same original as Brompton's. It contains 149 names
" over and besides the great number of knights and esquires that were under
them." And his second list is formed out of the " Ancient Chronicles of
England," " touching the names of other Normans which seemed to remaine
alive after the battle, and to be advanced in the signiories of this land," 224
in number including the names above quoted. In this we find the last four
names are —

1 Catalogus jSTormanorum, Du Chesne's " Historise Normanorum," p. 1026.
' Cott. MSS. Tiberius, xiii, p. 539.

3 " Descriptive Catalogue of Materials relating to the History of Great Britain and Ireland,"
vol. ii, p. 5-10.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF FOYNTZ.

J. de Pountz. E. Estrange.

E. de Pontlarge. Tho. Savage.1

These remarks are made for what they are worth. It signifies little to our
narrative whether Pons came with the Duke of Normandy, or was one of the
many strangers who followed him into England. It would seem unquestionable
that he had extensive grants of lands, and that he died before the Great
Survey. He had issue five sons, Drogo or Dru, Walter, Eichard, Osbern,2 and
Simon, the two elder of whom inherited his hefs. Drogo Alius Pontz at the
time of the Domesday Survey held of the King in capite in Gloucestershire,
in Lece or Leach, ten hides which had belonged to Cola : and Walter films
Ponz his brother also held ten hides in Lece which Earl Tostig had held.
Drogo also held in this county ten hides in Frampton, which Ernesi had held,
in which manor it was found that Eoger de Laci unjustly held one hide of
Drogo's land, and a burgess of Gloucester paid rent to this manor. Drogo
had other manors in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Wilts, and moreover
he held no fewer than seventy-three manors in Devonshire under Geoffry
Bishop of Coutances.3 He also held the manor of Swell in Gloucestershire
of William de Ou and Eo<>'er de Todeni.

Besides the ten hides which Walter Alius Ponz held in Lece as stated
above, and which has been identified as " Southrop," which having belonged
to Earl Tostig would be soke free of the Hundred, Walter held in capite
three manors in Oxfordshire ; three hides in Eton, near Windsor, the Survey
informs us, he had given to Westminster Abbey for his own soul. Walter
also held in Gloucestershire of Thomas Archbishop of York a manor of twelve
hides in Lece which, in the time of King Edward, had been held by the abbot
and monks of Gloucester, which Eldred the Archbishop had taken from the
abbey. Walter also held a small portion of land in the king's manor of Bampton
in Oxfordshire.

1 Mr. Joseph Hunter, F.S.A., formerly one of the Assistant Keepers of the Public Eecords,
and sometime a Vice-President of the Society of Antiquaries, read a paper on the subject of the
so called Battle Abbey Roll before the Sussex Archaeological Society in 1852, the substance of
which is given in the " Herald and Genealogist," vol. i.

2 In 1130-1 Osbert Alius Poinz paid 2s. in Gloucestershire, and 12s. in Buckinghamshire (Eot.
Pip. 31st Hen. I.)

3 Lysons says he seems to have had the largest possessions of any person in Devonshire,
Avhereas, adds Ellis, in that county he is expressly named as the under tenant only of the Bishop
of Coutances, (Domes, i, F. fo. 103) " Has. lxxiii terras tenet Drogo de Episcopo," and the lands
are all in small quantities. " Introd. to Domesd.," i, p. 405.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Botli Drogo and Walter died sine prole, and their lands descended to
their brothers and their heirs, but as it would appear chiefly to the heirs of
Richard the elder. During the period immediately following the Survey
evidence as to the devolution of the - Domesday manors is exceedingly scanty,
but we are not left entirely without indications. The first glimpse we have
is in the year after the Survey when the king signifies to Ulstan Bishop of
Worcester, and William the son of Osbert [fitz Pons] and all his barons, &c,
in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, that he had granted to God and St.
Peter of Gloucester, and Serb the Abbot and the monks of the same Church,
all the lands which Thomas Archbishop of York unjustly held, viz., Leeche,
Otington, and Stanedis (Stanediche.)1

Richard Fitz Pons inherited the manor of Frampton, from which he gave
two virgates of land to the Templars.2 His eldest son Walter eventually
assumed the name of Clifford, and his descendants continued to hold the
manor for several centuries. He had two sons, Walter and Richard.

In 1144 Walter, son of Richard, son of Pontius, with the assent of
Richard his brother, granted to Gilbert the abbot and the monks of St. Peter
of Gloucester certain lands in Estleeche, held of Roger Earl of Hereford, in
exchange for the manor of Glasbury which the abbot held of Roger of Thoeni,
and this exchange was confirmed by King Stephen. Roger de Thoeny, whose
steward Walter fitz Richard at this time was, Roger Earl of Hereford, and
Walter de Clifford, whose father Walter had granted Estleeche to Abbot
Gilbert and the monks of St. Peter, confirmed the same.3 And not long after-
wards Abbot Hameline in granting to his own man William Syreburne one
virgate and six acres of land with a house which Orwi held in Estleech
specified that he should hold it as it had been held of the son of Pontius.4

The manor of Swell descended to Simon fitz Pons the younger son, who
in the early part of the twelfth century granted to the Abbey of Tewkesbury
in perpetual alms the tithe of all his demesne of Suella as well as of Aldebiz
as of his other demesne, and that no controversy should subsecpiently arise
between the Church of Tewkesbury and the Chaplain of Swell he gave to
the same Chapel for ever one virgate of land in addition to the two virgates
which it already had. A controversy, nevertheless, did arise, upon which a
composition was made between the Church of Tewkesbury and Mathew

1 " Hist, et Cartularium S. Petri, Gloucestrise," vol. ii, p. 107, iii, 263.
Dugdale's " Mon." ii, p. 530.

3 " Cart. Monas. S. Petri, Glouc," vol. i, pp. 311, et seq.

4 " Cart. Monas. S. Petri, Glouc," vol. i, p. 269.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Chaplain of Swell, whereby it was agreed that the monks of Tewkesbury
should receive all the tithes of the demesne of Swell, so, however, that the
parishioners of the Chapel should put their sheep in the sheep-folds of the
lord of Swell, and if in the pasture of the demesne they should pass the winter,
the rector of the Chapel should receive the half of the tithe thereof and the
monks the other half. The monks were also to receive all the tithes of the
servants of the lord who should be in the sheep-fold of the Chapel of Swell
6d. for the place of Berthonas which for a long while should remain in the
village. They were, however, to be quit from their prestation for that
year, in which the parishioners should have their sheep in the Berthona of
the lord and in the demesne, although the Berthona should be removed ;
also a penalty of 100s. if the prestation is assigned. If either party should
draw back from the composition it was to be given to that party who
should abide by it.1

Simon fitz Pons had a son named Pons or Poncius, and when Henry II. by
inquisition preparatory to his levying an aid, required his barons and tenants in
capite to certify what number of knights' fees they owed respectively, and by
whom such fees were held under them, specifying those which were of the old
feoffment, that is, before the death of Henry I., and the new feoffment, "William,
Earl of Gloucester certified that Poncius fitz Simon held of the honour of
Gloucester eight knights' fees of the old feoffment.8 This Pons or Poncius had
a son Nicholas, and in 1194-5 Nicholas Ponz in Gloucestershire gave 300
marks of benevolence towards the ransom of King Eichard I.3 from his
imprisonment by the Duke of Austria, to be paid at 100 marks per annum,
of which he had paid into the Treasury £50, and £150 remained due. He also
rendered the same year an account for having the king's ... of which
he paid into the Treasury 10 marks, and there remained due £143 and half
a mark.

It is an interesting fact, and perhaps affording a motive for this large
gift, that Eobert Earl of Gloucester gave lands in Camberwell to Eeginald
Pointz. He afterwards signavit se cruce cum regi Ric, and gave all his
share in the vill to his four nepotes, one of whom seems to have been
Nicholas.4

1 Dugdale's " Mon.," ii, p. 70.

2 " Liber Niger," Hearne's Ed., 1728, vol. i, p. 162.
s Eot. Pip., 6th Rich. I., Glouc.

4 This is from a memorandum of the lands in Camberwell belonging to the Priory of Halli-
well in Middlesex (Cott. MS. Vitell. P. 8), "Mon.," i, 533.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

In 1201-2 Nicholas Poinz of the Honour of Gloucester, probably the
Nicholas just mentioned, rendered an account of 23 marks of the second
scutage, and of fine for knights not transferred, and for seven knights' fees ;J
and the same Nicholas rendered at the same :time an account of 12s. 6d. of
scutage of one knight's fee of the honour of Moreton.2 It is also stated that
he owed £9 6s. 3^d. of the farm of Carenton for half-a-year, and £10 10s.
of the borough of Dunstore for half-a-year, but answered within, and is freed
of the janitor of Dunster Castle 15s. 2^d. of half-a-year, and of the watchman
of the same castle 15s. 2^d. for the same term, and so of the second half-
year.3 The fees here mentioned were doubtless the same fees held by Poncius
fitz Simon some 40 years before. Nicholas Poinz and Johanna his wife on 29th
January, 1218-9, gave five marks to have a weekly market on Thursday at their
manor of Ametut,'4 which manor we have not been able to identify.

This Nicholas and his son Hugh, according to Banks, were amongst the
rebel barons against King John.5 That Nicholas was a devoted adherent of
King Richard we have had evidence, and it is not surprising if he did not
entertain the same feeling toward John.

In the MS. Cartulary of the Abbey of St. Augustine of Bristol, now
preserved in the Muniment room of Berkeley Castle, there are five instruments
relating to the possessions of this Nicholas Poinz and grants to the abbey,
viz. : —

1. The first is a grant by Nicholas Poinz in consideration of the sum of
150 marks of silver of a moiety of all his arable land in Catebroc to be
divided. In the field Eodwerlang the half towards the south ; in the field
Lodwerlang the half towards the north ; in the field Wiferlang the half
towards the south ; also the half virgate of land near the bridge, nine men
with all their services, chattels, and tenements which they hold of him ; also
the third part of his pasture land in the common of Cadibroc to hold freely
&c, except royal service, in pure and perpetual alms, doing suit and service
twice a-year to the Hundred Court.

2. Upon Inspeximus Hugh Poyntz confirmed this grant of his father and
lord, Nicholas Poyntz.

Some dispute would seem to 'have arisen concerning a moiety of the tithe
of corn of Katebroc, which had therefor been of custom received by the

J Eot. Pip. Glouc, 3rd John.
3 Ibid.

5 " Baronage," vol. i, p. 401,

2 Tbid, Dorset and Somerset.

4 Eot. Fin., 3 rd Henry III, m. 9.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Eector of the Chapel of Tokinton, which led to a composition and agreement
beween the Abbot and Canons of St. Augustine and the Church of Almondes-
bury on the one part and the Chapel of Tokinton and Nicholas Poyntz the
Patron thereof and Eichard Eector of the same of the other part, whereby it
.was agreed between the parties that the rector of the Chapel of Tokinton
should possess the said tithe for ever paying therefor yearly to the Church
of Almondesbury 6s., and that the Church of Almondesbury should receive
the other moiety together with the small tithes offerings of the said place.

3. Afterwards Johanna de Trail)', formerly wife of the said Nicholas Pontz,
released and quit-claimed to the said Abbot and Canons all her right and
claims upon lands called Kingsmershe at Almondesbury, and

4. Baldwin de Bethune and Johanna de Traily his wife quit-claimed the
same and other lands to the same Abbot and Canons. 1

These instruments are undated, but they are probably towards the end of
the life of Nicholas Poinz and soon after the remarriage of his relict, perhaps
about the end of the first quarter of the thirteenth century. The date is to
some extent marked by the career of Baldwin de Bethune. This Baldwin, who
was advocate of Bethune, flourished from 1189 to 124(5. He was married
to his first wife a sister of Anselm de Cioches or Chokes, and on the death
of her nephew, Eobert de Chokes s.jk, which was before 1202, Baldwin's son
Robert inherited his Baron}- of fifteen knights' fees, but he does not appear to
have been summoned to Parliament.

We find Baldwin de Bethune mentioned in the Pipe Eoll of 1st Eichard I.
for the county of Sussex. In 1199 he had a grant of the manors of Pokes-
ham, Stoke, Brabarn with the Hundred, Sutton, and Eamesing, all in the
county of Kent,2 and in 1236-7 he was granted the manors of Gayton and
Grimsby in the county of Northampton.3 We do not know the date of his
death but it could scarcely be long after this time for he must now have
been an aged man. It was doubtless his son Eobert or his grandson William,
both of whom succeeded him as advocate of Bethune, who is shewn in Testa
de Nevil to hold eight knights' fees of the fee of Chokes in the county of
Northampton (p. 30), and eleven fees of the king in capite in the same
count}', in which county Eobert son of Baldwin died seized of divers lands

Nicholas Poinz was succeeded by his son Hugh, who must have been, if
Banks can be trusted, of man's estate before the Barons' Wars, and other

1246-7. 4

1 Cartulary St. Aug., fols. 156-158.
3 Charter Koll, 1st John, part i, in. 102.
C

3 Ibid, 21st Henry III.

4 Inq. p.m., 31st Henry III, ISo. 41.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

circumstances tend to confirm this view. In a pedigree among the Miscellaneous
Pedigrees in the Heralds' College, though not upon official Eecord, he is
described as Lord of the Manor of Tockington, in the county of Gloucester.
He married Juliana daughter of Hugh and niece and coheir of Eobert Bardolf
of the county of Kent. On 12th May, 1218, Hamo, son of Eichard, obtained a
writ to recover from Hugh Poinz two carucates of land, &c, in Sutton, in the
county of Dorset, into which it was alleged the said Hugh had no ingress
except by intrusion after the death of Grace who was wife of Eobert, son of
the said Hamo, which lands she had in dower of the inheritance of the said
Hamo.1 Hugh must have died very soon after this date leaving a son and
heir Hugh.

We now begin to tread on firmer ground, and as we proceed we shall
find much to connect what we shall presently state with what we have already
written.

William Malet, Baron of Cory Malet in co. Somerset, died before 1220
leaving two daughters his coheirs (his son William having predeceased him
s.p.) Hawisia who was wife of Hugh Poinz son of Hugh last above mentioned,
and Mabel who became the wife of Hugh de Vivonia, but died s.p.m. This
Hugh did not long survive his father, for his writ diem clausit extremum was
issued on 4th April, 1219, and on 11th February, 1220-1, Eobert de Muscegros
made fine with the King in 300 marks to marry Helewisia, who was the wife
of Hugh Poinz, to be paid hj quarterly payments of 50 marks commencing on
the Easter following, and the Sheriff of Somerset was commanded to accept
security for the payment of the fine at the periods specified, and to give full
seizin of all the lands, fees, and tenements of the aforesaid Helewisia in his
bailiwick, and to notify the same to the Sheriffs of Kent and Suffolk.

The issue of the marriage of Hugh Poinz and Hawisia Malet was a son
named Nicholas, who was then a child of tender years. On 1st July, 1225, the
King received the homage of Jordan Foliot, Isolda Gray and Ealph Paynel,
for their portions of the lands, &c, of their uncle, Eobert Bardolph, and also
of Eobert Lupo on behalf of Matilda Bardolf his mother, and the Sheriff of
Kent was commanded to take security from them respectively for their relief
and give them seizin of the lands of their several portions, but the portion of
the son and heir of Hugh Poinz, who was likewise one of the heirs of Eobert
Bardolf, and within age and in the custody of the King, was retained. His
wardship was granted to his uncle Ealph Poyntz.2 He was still under age in

1 Eot. Tin., 2nd Henry III., m. 6.

2 Rot. Claus., 18th Henry III, in. 16.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

1232, for on 11th November in that year Ealph, son of Nicholas, therefore
Hugh's great uncle, claimed the 100s. yearly which Eobert de Muscegros used
to render to Grilbert Earl of Gloucester by reason of the dower of his wife in
Sutton, which was of the inheritance of the son and heir of Hugh Poinz then
in the custody of the said Ealph,, to hold to the said Ealph till the legal age
of the said heir, and Eobert Muscegros was commanded to answer to him for
the said 100s.2

On the vigil of SS. Peter and Paul (Nov. 17) 1251, the Prior and Monks
of Great Malvern exchanged with Sir Nicholas Poinz a certain virgate of
land which they had of the gift of his father Hugh Poinz for a certain
virgate of land in the marsh juxta Tokington, which was given to the Church
of St. James at Bristol, and which by charters between them was quit-claimed
for ever.3 The Manor of Tokington, which at the time of the Domesday
Survey consisted of eight hides, and was held by William fitz Osborne in
demesne, if not at that time held by one of the Pointz family as a sub-
infeudation, came early into their possession and was held together with Swell.
It is stated in an Inquisition ad quod damnum taken at Swell in 28th Edward I,
that Eichard Earl of Cornwall, who died in 1271, had a pasture of 140 acres
in exchange from the Abbot of Tewkesbury and from Nicholas Pointz deceased
which the said Earl imparked in 1254 to give to the Abbot of Hayles, and
which his son Edmund desired to confirm. And in another Inquisition, taken
five years later, it is said that Eichard, formerly Earl of Cornwall, purchased
the ville of Netherswell, in the Hundred Eolls called the Manor, and gave
it afterwards to the Abbot of Hayles. The Nicholas Poinz mentioned in these
records was doubtless the Nicholas now immediately under notice, and was
as unquestionably the descendant of Simon fitz Pons upon whom we have
seen the fee of Swell devolved after the death of his brothers Drogo and
Walter s.p., probably through Pons fitz Simon, who in 1166 held the fees of his
father and uncle of the Honour of Gloucester, of which Honour the fees
in question formed a portion. And we shall see as we proceed that the
inheritance of these fees devolved upon the Pointz's of Cory Malet and Iron
Acton, establishing the descent of that branch of the family from Simon fitz
Pons rather than from his brother Osbert, as has hitherto been supposed.
Nicholas Poinz married Elizabeth daughter and heir of Timothy Dyall and
died in 1272. In the Inquisition taken after his death for the county of

1 Kot. Fin., 9th Henry III, m. 3. 2 Eot. Claus., 17th Henry III, m. 16.

3 " Annales Monastici Morgan," Tewkesbury, p. 144. Master of the Rolls's Series.
C2

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Gloucester, on Wednesday next after the feast of St. Martin in that year, the
jurors found that he died seized of the Manor of Tokington1 which he held
of the Earl of Gloucester by military service, and that Hugh Poinz was son of
the said Nicholas and his nearest heir, and. was aged 21 years and more.2
Upon a similar Inquisition taken the same day for the county of Somerset it
was found that the said Nicholas held the Manor of Cory Malet of the King
in capite by military service, and that Hugh Pointz was his son and nearest
heir, and of the age above stated. In a similar Inquisition taken on the feast
of St. Bartholomew in the same year it is found that the said Nicholas held
the manor of Sutton in capite of Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, by the
service of one knight's fee, and that his heir was as before stated. The
Inquisition for the county of Cambridge was taken as early as the Yigil of St.
Mark (April 24) in the same year and shews that the said Nicholas died early
in that year. The jurors say that he held a moiety of the Manor of Dollingham
which belonged to a certain William Malet, and that the said Manor the said
William held in exchange for the Manor of St. Wandregesil in pure and
perpetual alms and not of the king, and that the said Nicholas gave the said
manor to Huo'h his son and heir who held the same during the life of his
father, and the said Hugh was aged 21 years and more. The Inquisition for
the county of Kent was taken on Thursday next after the feast of St. Leonard
and the jurors found that the said Nicholas held the Manor of Ho in capite of
the King by the service of half a knight's fee, and that Hugh Pointz is his son
and nearest heir, and was aged 2T years and more at the feast of St, Bartholomew
last past.3 The King, by his writ dated 16th August 2nd Edward I., , signified
to the Escheators of the various counties, and especially to the Escheator of
Somerset, that Hugh Pointz son and heir of Nicholas had made homage for the
Barony which he held of the King in capite and commanded that upon
reasonable relief being paid seizin should be given.

It will be observed that in the Inquisition taken for the county of
Gloucester on the death of Nicholas Poyntz, the Manor of SAvell is not men-
tioned as parcel of his possessions. This is explained by the following record :
Among the many writs of quo warranto issued by King Edward I. was a
precept to the Sheriff of Gloucester commanding him to call upon the Abbot

1 It will be observed that the Manor of Swell is not named in this Inquisition as held by
Nicholas Poynz on the day of his death, but it will be seen on reference to the Inquisition
taken on the death of Eichard de Clare, that the fees of Tokinton and Swell were then held
of him.

2 Inq. p.m., 1st Edward I, Xo. 17. 3 Inq. p.m., 1st Edw. I, No. 17.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

of Hayles to answer to the King of a plea why whereas King Henry III.
within the time a writ of novel disseizin runs was seized of una jurata annua}
of view of frank pledge of the villa of ISTetherswell, and likewise of seven
pence of ward penny more annual prestation the Abbot now takes it. The
Abbot answered that King Henry II. was not seized of the said prestation
after the time aforesaid, and petitions an enquiry. And William de Inge who
followed says that King Henry III. in the 31st year of his reign gave the
Manors of Slaughter and the Hundred of Malmesbury to which the said
arrentation belongs to the monks of Fischamp, in exchange for the Manors of
Wynchelse and La Eye, and before that gift the said King ever had in seizin
the said arrentation and likewise the said monks were seized for the space
of three years in the name of the King as hundredor, and this they pray may
be enquired into, and the jury together with Ei chard de Tundicote and John
de Cameron testify the same upon their oaths ; by which verdict it manifestly
appears that the said subtraction was made within the time aforesaid, viz., in
the 38th Henry III., whereof the arrears of the said jurata 38 marks, and the
arrears of the seven pence 22s. 2d. And the jurors being asked if the Abbot
and his predecessors during the whole time aforesaid received the said
arrentation say, that Eichard King of Almain purchased certain land of the
ancestor of Hugh de Poynz in the aforesaid ville after the time of the date of
a writ of novel disseizin, and then first took the arrentation which King
Henry HI. and the Monks of Fischamp were wont to receive, which said
land King Eichard held in his hand for seven years and then gave it to the
Monks of Hayles and the said monks received the arrentation. And thereupon
comes William Bladington, Bailiff of Fischamp and claims the said arrentation
as the right of the Monastery of Fischamp, and prays the king's grace. " A
day is given to hear judgment before the Barons of the Exchequer. What
the result was we know not. It is not pertinent to our enquiry, for it appears
that certain lands which probably included the Manor of Swell were sold to
Eichard King of Almain. It would however appear, as we shall see further
on, that the military services were reserved.2 In the Inquisition taken after
the death of Eichard de Clare Earl of Gloscester and Hertford, who died in
1261, the fees of Thokington and Swell were found to be held of him by
Nicholas Pointz,3 and on the death of his son and successor Gilbert de Clare
in 1295 it was found that Hugh le Poinz held of the said Earl six knights'

i " Jurata " is a payment or annual fine of the View of Frank Pledge. It is the common
fine of the Court.

a Placita quo Warranto, 15th Edw. I, Eot. 9. 3 Inq. p.m., 47th Hen. Ill, No. 34.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

fees in Tokenton and. Swell, the value per annum of which is stated to be £170. 1
Gilbert de Clare, son and heir of the last Earl Gilbert, died in 1313 s.p.,
leaving his three sisters his coheirs, of whom Margaret first became the wife
of Piers de Gaveston and after his death of Hugh de Audeley. The latter was
created Earl of Gloucester on 23rd April, 1337, and, surviving his wife, held,
her lands and manors according to the law of England. He died in 1347 seized
of an estate as aforesaid inter alia of six knights' fees of the Honour of Gloucester
in Tokynton and Swelle held of him by Hugh de Poyns and stated to be of the
value aforesaid.2 Margaret, wife of Ealph Lord Stafford, was found to be the
next heir of the said Hugh and Margaret. Ealph Baron Stafford was created Earl
of Stafford on 3rd March, 1371, and died 14th October, 1386 seized inter alia
of the six knights' fees in Tokinton and Swell 3 which Nicholas Poyntz formerly
held ; it is also stated that Robert le Poyntz held of him one knight's fee in
Irenacton. A similar return was made in the Inquisition taken at Thornbury
on 14th February, 1398-9, after the death of Thomas Earl of Stafford, the fee
in Irenacton being then held of him by Eobert Poynz, which fee is stated to be
of the value of £30, that is, of course, to the Earl. It will be observed that
in these later Inquisitions it is not stated who then held the fees, but reference
is made to the time when they were held by Nicholas Poyntz. One might be
inclined to think that these fees had ceased to be held by the Poyntz family,
but in the Inquisition taken on 11th September, 1460, after the death of
Humphry Duke of Buckingham, among the fees he held in the Honour of
Gloucester are found six knights' fees in Tokynton and Swell which the heirs
of Nicholas de Poyntz hold, and that the fee in Irenacton was then held by
the heir of Eobert de Poyntz.4 We have traced the devolution of the fees in
Tokynton and Swell to prove that the Poyntzes of Iron Acton were the direct
descendants of Simon fitz Pons who possessed the Manor of Swell in the early
part of the twelfth century, and granted all the tithe of the demesne to the
Abbey of Tewkesbury.

Nicholas Pointz married Elizabeth daughter of William de la Zouche, and
his son Hugh becomes a prominent figure in the history of the family. He did
homage for the Barony he held of the king 2nd Edw. I.

Llewelyn Prince of Wales had been an active ally of Simon de Montford,
and had been included in the peace on the death of that personage, but on

1 Inq. p.m., 8th Edw. II, No. 68, m. 56.

2 Inq. p.m., 21st Edw. Ill, No. 59 (First numbers.)

3 Inq. p.m., 10th Eich. II, Xo. 38, and 16 Eich. II, No. 27 (Ears 1.)

4 Inq. p.m., 38th and 39th Hen. VI, Xo. 59.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

his refusal to attend the summons to the first Parliament of King Edward I.,
the king determined to punish him by invading his country. For this purpose
he summoned all his power to a muster at Worcester in the octave of St.
John Baptist, 1277. 1 In pursuance of which Hugh Pointz acknowledged the
service of one knight's fee in Cory Malet and performed it himself, and again
at Carmarthen on Thursday next before the feast of St. Margaret following.2
Llewelyn was now reduced to subjection and peace was made, and Llewelyn
returned with the king to Westminster to keep Christmas. In 1282 the Welsh
again broke out into rebellion and murdered the Lord Clifford, the king's
justiciar in Wales. An army was again formed, and Hugh Poinz was sum-
moned to perform military service in person and muster at Ehuddlan on the
morrow of St. Peter ad vincula (2nd Aug.) in that year.3 He was, however,
discharged from attendance at Ehuddlan, and ordered to continue in West
Wales under the command of the captains of the forces in those parts.4 He
was again summoned to appear in person at a muster in Carmarthen on the
feast of St. Nicholas, 6th Dec, 1282. In the following week a great battle
was fought on 11th Dec, in which the English were entirely victorious. Prince
Llewelyn was slain by a common soldier and 2,000 men of his army also fell.
His brother Prince David escaped. In the following year, however, Edward
determined upon pursuing the advantage he had gained. Hugh Poynz was
again summoned to Carmarthen to perform military service in person at the
muster the quindecim of Easter.'' Prince David now fell into the king's hands
and was sent to Shrewsbury, and there executed with such shocking barbarity
as had never before been known in England. In 1283 Hugh Poynz was
summoned to a Parliament at Shrewsbury on the morrow of St. Michael.6 In
1287 he was summoned to appear with horses and arms at a military council
to be held at Gloucester before Edmond Earl of Cornwall in the three weeks of
St. John Baptist's day.7

In this year he was summoned to reply to the king on a plea by what
warrant he claimed to have view of frank pledge and market and fair in his
Manor of Tockington without the king's license. Hugh appeared and said, that
as regarded the view of frank pledge and weyfs he and all his ancestors, from
time immemorial, had held the said manor with the aforesaid liberties ; and
that as regarded the market and fair he said that the now king granted to the

1 Pari. Writs, 5th Edw. I, vol. i, p. 194.

2 Ibid, pp. 204, 212.

4 Ibid, 10th Edw. I, vol. i, p. 225.
4 Ibid, p. 227.

5 Pari. Writs, 11th Edw. I, vol. i, 247.

6 Ibid, p. 16, ]NTo. 20.

7 Ibid, 15th Edw. I, vol. i, 250.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

same Hugh, by Charter dated 10th Feb. in the ninth year of his reign, a
market every week on Wednesday at his Manor of Tokington and one fair
there every year for three days : viz., on the vigil, day and morrow of St.
Nicholas the Bishop ; and one other fair for three days : viz., on the vigil, day
and morrow of the Translation of the said St. Nicholas. A day was given to
hear the case, but it was postponed from term to term and eventually would
appear to have been dropped.1

In the latter part of the year 1294 another army was collected to march
into Wales with the view of extirpating the Welsh people, and Hugh Poynz
was one of those who were summoned to a military council at Worcester on
Sunday the morrow of St. Edmund the King (21st Nov.)2 He was also
summoned to two Parliaments held at Westminster in 1295, 3 and to one held
at Bury St. Edmund's4 on the morrow of All Souls in the following year.
In 1297 the king determined upon an expedition into France, and all persons
holding lands or rents of £20 yearly value were summoned under a general
writ to perform military service in person with horses and arms, &c, beyond
the seas.5 Hugh Poyntz was returned from the counties of Dorset and
Somerset. The king crossed over to France with a great army on the
22nd August,6 but it does not appear that Hugh Poyntz accompanied him,
for he was summoned to appear with horses and arms at a military council
at Kochester before Edward, the king's son and Lieutenant of England, on
Sunday the Nativity of the Virgin (8th Sept.)7 In 1300 he was summoned
to a Parliament in London.

It would be tedious to enumerate all the occasions on which he was
summoned to musters with horses and arms for the Scots wars in 1296, but
it is presumed that he was at the great battle of Dunbar on 27th April,
when the Scots were defeated with great slaughter, which led to the formal
surrender by Baliol of the regal dignity. He was summoned to the muster
at Carlisle on Witsun Eve 1297, when there was another great expedition
into Scotland. It is, however, unnecessary to quote the various summonses
both special and general which he received to take his part with horses and
arms in the wars with Scotland, but there is one of too much interest and
importance to be omitted. Edward I again invaded Scotland in 1300, and
Hugh Poyntz received a special summons to be present at the muster at

ipiacito de quo Warranto, 15th Edw. I, Eot. 9. » Ibid, 24th Edw. I, i, 292.

2 Pari. Writs, 23rd Edw. I, vol. i, p. 265. 6 Berkeley MSS., vol. i, p. 173.

3 Ibid, pp. 29, 31, 33. 7 Pari. Writs, 25th Edw. I, vol. i, 296.

4 Ibid, 24th Edw. I, p. 18.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Carlisle on the feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist. The English army
marched from Carlisle a few days afterwards, and about the 10th or 11th
July laid seige to the famous Castle of Caerlaverock. At this seige Hugh
Poyntz displayed his banner, which was challenged by Brian Fitz Alan who
unfurled one bearing precisely the same arms. The contemporary author of
the Eoll of Caerlaverock says : —

E la baniere Hue Pointz And the banner of Hugh Pointz

Estoit barree de viiij poinz Was barry of nine pieces

De Or e de Goules ovelment Of Or and Gules equally.

And again —

Le beau Brian le fltz Aleyn The handsome Brian Eitz Alan

De courtoisie e de honnour pleyn Full of courtesy and honour

I vi o baniere barree I saw there with his well adorned banner

De or e de goules bien paree Barry of gold and red

Dont de chalenge estoit li poinz, Which was the subject of dispute

Par entre li e Hue Poinz Between him and Hugh Pointz,

Ki portoit tel ne plus ne meins, Who bore the same, neither more nor less,

Dont merveille avoit meinte e meins. At which many marvelled, man and woman.

We have followed Wright's translation (pp. 9 and 15).

It is significant that the chronicler says this had frequently been the
subject of dispute between them, as it shews that it was most unusual for two
persons to bear the same coat armour. Hugh Pointz, as we have seen, signed
the celebrated letter to the Pope, but the seal with which he authenticated his
signature was that of his son, for his arms are differenced with a lable of five
points and bears the legend s. nicholai poyntz. Brian Fitz Alan also signed
this letter, but instead of affixing his seal of arms he used a device of a very
comical character, consisting of a motley assemblage of animals, two birds, a
rabbit, a stag, and a boar, all of which are looking to the dexter, excepting the
latter which is regarding the chief. The legend is also curious : tot. capita,
tot. sentencie. Brian Fitz Alan would seem to have been an eccentric
character, but the incident shews that by the laws of arms no two persons
were allowed to bear the same ensigns, and that any infraction of this law
was not allowed to pass unnoticed. We have other illustrations in the Scrope,
Grosvenor and Carminow suit in the Court of Chancery in 1389, and Grey
and Hastings in 1410.

We have mentioned ante that Hugh Pointz was summoned to parliament twice
in 1295, again in 1296. In 1300 he was summoned to a Parliament in London.1

1 Pari. Writs 28th Edw. I, vol. 82.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

It has been doubted by some persons whether the assemblies to which the
summonses just mentioned have reference were true parliaments, but they have
been admitted as such at the Bar of the House of Lords. Be that as it may,
there is no evidence that Hugh Poinz, though summoned, sat at either of them.
He was, however, by writ dated 26th September 1300, by the style and title of
Hugo Pointz Dominus de Corimalet, summoned to the important parliament to
be held at Lincoln in the octave of St. Hilary next ensuing, to consider the
letter of Pope Boniface in which he claimed the sovereignty of the Kingdom
of Scotland as belonging to the Church of Eome. He sat in this parliament,
and was one of the 103 Barons who sealed the spirited letter to the Pope
from the Barons of England. From this time he continued to be summoned
to subsequent parliaments until his death in 1307. By his Inquisition post
mortem, taken at Tokington 25th January 1307-8, it was found that on the day
on which he died he held in his demesne as of fee the manor of Tokington of
the Earl of Gloucester by the service of one knight, and the jurors say- there is
there a certain capital messuage with garden and one dovecote, which are of
the value per annum 6s. 8d., and that there are there in demesne 160 acres
of arable land which are of the value per annum 40s., price per acre 3d.;
they say there are 24 acres of meadow value per annum 36s., price per acre Is. 6d.;
that there are 6 acres of pasture of the value per annum 6s., price per acre 12d.;
and that there are certain woods which are of no value, and a certain park
•of 10 acres whose value beyond the sustentation of game is 5s., and a mill whose
value is 20s. Sum. 113s. 8d. They jurors say further that there are certain
rents paid by free and other tenants, the whole value of which together is
£26 Is. 8d. ; and they say that Nicholas Pointz son of the aforesaid Hugh is
Iiis nearest heir and is aged 28 years and more.1

The precise date of the death of Hugh Pointz is not stated, but it
doubtless occurred before the 24th December, 1307, for on that date, Nicholas,
his son and successor by Margaret daughter of Sir William Paveley, was
commissioned as one of the Conservators of the Peace in the County of
Dorset,2 and on the 17th March following he was granted special powers for
preventing tortuous prises, &c.3 On the 21st June in the same year he was
summoned to perform military service in person against the Scots, to muster
at Carlisle in the octave of the Assumption.4 On the 4th March, 2nd Edw. II
(1308-9) he was summoned to attend a parliament at Westminster5 in one

1 Inq. p.m., 1st Edw. II, No. 46. * Ibid., 2nd Edw. II, vol. i, p. 373.

2 Pari. Writ, 1st Edw. II, vol, ii, p. 8. 5 Ibid., vol. i, p. 26.
8 Ibid., p. 12.

MEMOIK OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

month of Easter, and on 9th June in the following year1 he was summoned to
attend a parliament at Stamford on Monday next after the feast of St. James
the Apostle (27th July),2 having been on the 20th June preceding requested
to prepare to join an expedition against the Scots in such a manner as should
be ordained at that parliament. On 30th July, 1309, he was summoned to a
muster at Newcastle-upon-Tyne to perform military service in person against
the same nation,3 and on 26th October in the same year he was summoned to
a parliament at York on Monday next after the Purification following. Whether
his health was failing him at this time we know not, but on the 1st of April
he was enjoined to proceed with greater activity in executing the commission
for the conservancy,4 and on 2nd August he was earnestly requested to attend
the muster at Berwick-upon-Tweed,5 and on 17th September following he
proffers the service of the knight's fee for his manor of Cory Malet performed
by two " Servientes " with two barbed horses.6 He was one of the Supervisors
of Array in the counties of Dorset and Somerset and also leader of the levies,
and by writ tested at Berwick on 20th May, 1311, the sheriff was commanded
to pay his expenses,7 and on the 28th of the same month he was requested
to proceed against the Scots with as many followers as he could raise.8 On
the 16th June in the same year he was summoned to a parliament to be held
at London on Monday next before the feast of St. Lawrence, 8th August, 1311. 9
He was twice married : first to Elizabeth, daughter of Edward de la Zouch of
Harringworth, and secondly to Matilda, the heir of Sir John Acton of Iron Acton,
co. Gloucester. In the Inquisition taken at Schyreburn for the county of
Dorset on 16th August, 1311, after his death the jurors found that the said
Nicholas together with Elizabeth, sometime his wife, were conjointly enfeoffed of
the manor of Stoke St. Edward in the • county of Gloucester with appurtenance
of the gift and feoffment of Miles de Monte Alto to hold the same to the said
Nicholas and Elizabeth in free marriage of the Earl of Gloucester as a member
of the manor of Sutton which the said Earl holds by the service of two knights,
and the jurors say that Hugh Pointz is son and nearest heir of the said
Nicholas, and was aged 18 years on the feast of All Saints last past.10

In the Inquisition taken at Hoo for the county of Kent, the jurors find that
the said Nicholas died seized of the manor of Hoo, which he held of the King

1 Pari. Writs, 2nd Edw. II, vol. i, p. 28.

2 Ibid., p. 380.

3 Pari. Writs, 3rd Edw. II, vol. i, p. 382.

4 Ibid., vol. ii, p. 28.
8 Ibid., vol. i, p. 399.

6 Ibid., p. 403.

7 Ibid., 4th Edw. II, vol. i, pp. 409, 410.

8 Ibid., p. 412.

9 Ibid., vol. ii, p. 38.

J0 Inq., p.m.., 5 th Edw. II, No. 62.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

in capite, and they say further that he held on the day on which he died the
manor of Lollynggeston conjointly with Matilda his wife, which said Manor was
acquired of Eeymond Heryng to have and to hold to him and the heirs of his
body by fine in the Court of the King, and they say the said manor is held of
the Archbishop of Canterbury by the service of one knight's fee.

He was also found to have died seized of the manor of Tokinton in the
county of Gloucester by the same tenure as before stated, and Hugh Pointz was
found to be his son and nearest heir, and to be aged 18 years and more.1

To these Inquisitions is annexed the extent of the knights' fees which were
held by the said Nicholas Poyntz of the King in capite for the counties of Dorset
and Somerset, and which by reason of his death fell into the King's hands.
Of the fees held by him in Gloucester and other counties no return is found.

Inq. p.m. 5 Edward 2, No. 62.

Dob's

Extenta feodorum Militum que fuerunt Nicholai Poyntz defuncti qui de Rege in capite et que occasione
mortis ejusdem capta sunt in manu Regis videlicet.

Tertia pars unius Mil' quam Ri'cus de Byngham tenet in Wellecombe •
[Melconibe] Byngham in Com' Dors' et que extend' per annum ad ... cs.
Dos. Tres partes feodi unius Mil' quas Johannes le "Waleys de Poditon' tenet in

Podyton' et Estchykerel in eodem Com' et qua extend' per annum ad ... viijfo'.
Dos. Feod' unius Mil' quod Reymundus Harang' Will's de Cruket et Galfridus de
WarmewelP tenent in Langeton Brodeweye et Radeslo in eodem Com'
et quod extend' per annum ad . ... viijK.

Octava pars feodi unius Mil' quam Will's de Stok tenet in Wytreburn' Regis

in eodem Com' et que extend' per annu' ad ... xls.

Duodecima pars feodi unius Mil' quam Robertus le Newman tenet in

Worgrode in eodem Com' et que extend' per annum ad ... xxs.

Dos. Sextadecima pars feodi unius Mil' quam Johannes de Monte alto tenet in

Crawested in eodem Com' et que extend' per annum ad ... vjs viijW.

Tres partes feodi unius Mil' quas Abbas de Bynedon tenet in puram et
perpetuam elemosinam in Bonyngton' in eodem Com' et que extend'
p annum ad ... xli.

Dos. Medietas feodi unius Mil' quam Jacobus de Norton' et Will's Saffray tenent

in Fissherton' et Wabyngton' in eodem Com' et que extend' per annum ad xij'fe'.
Dos. Duodecima pars feodi unius Mil' quam Robertus de Farendon' tenet in

Radeweye in eodem Com' et que ext' per annum ad ... cs.

Summa valoris IjVz vjs v'riyl.

1 Inq. p.m. 5th Edw. II, No. 62.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Son's

Feod' unius Mil' quod Elyas Cotel tenet in Corscombe in Com' Somers' efc

quod extend' per annum ad ... xli.

Duo feoda Mil' que Will's Malerbe tenet in Shepham Standrewykes et

Cheddern' in eodem Com' et que extend' p annum ad ... xvli.

ffeod' unius Mil' quod Will's de Reygny tenet in Ludeford in eodem Com'

et quod ext' p annum ad ... cs.

Vicesima pars feodi unius Mil' quam Will's de Wygeburgh' tenet in

Ychestok in eodem Com' et que etc. ad ... xxs.

Feod' unius Mil' quod Matheus de Esse tenet in Worth Cnolle et Ilyllegh'

in eod' Com' et que etc. ad ... cs

Duo feoda Mil' que heredes Ivonis de Rochet'ord tenent in Stawelle in

eodem Com' et que extend' per annum ad ... xli.

Quinta pars feodi unius Mil' quam heres Johannis de Meryet tenet in

Lopene in eodem Com' et que etc. ad ... xls

Quinta pars feodi unius Mil' quam Will's Bossard' tenet in Langesr.tton' in

eodem Com' et que etc. ad ... xls

Dos. Tria feoda Mil' que Will's Trivet tenet in Chylton' et Cockes in eodem

Com' et que etc. ad ... xvli

Vicesima pars feodi unius Mil' quam Walterus le Kara tenet in Cory Malet

in eodem Com' et que etc. ad ... xxs

Summa valoris cxvij^yjs viijd

et e' tercia pars xxxixli ijs i\d o'.

Summa totalis xiiij feoda et sexta pars et quadragesima octava pars feodi.

Et est tercia pars iiij feoda et due partes et sextadecima pars feodi.

The custody of the lands of Nicholas Poyntz, together with the knights'
fees, upon the payment of seven hundred marks into the Treasury, was granted
to William le Latimer to hold until the legal age of the heir of the said Nicholas.1
This grant from some cause fell through, and soon afterwards the King, upon the
payment of a like sum into the Exchequer by William Eydal, sold to the same
William the custody of the lands and tenements which belonged to Nicholas
Poynz, deceased, to hold with the knights' fees, advowsons of churches, and all
other tilings to the same custody belonging, until the legal age of the heir of
the said Nicholas.2

In 1314 Matilda relict of Nicholas Poyntz had an assignment of dower in her
late husband's lands.

In 1316 Hugh Poynes, being then of full age, was certified, pursuant to
writ tested at Clipston on 5th March, as lord or joint lord of the hundred of
Hoo in Kent and of the Advowsons of the churches of SS. Margaret and Werburgh

1 Rot. Original., 5th Edw. II, rot. 11. 2 Ibid., rot. 20.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

at Hoo, of the manor of Tockington in Gloucestershire, of Curry Malet in
Somerset, and of Eockley in Wilts. His military service now commenced.1 On
20th May, 1317, he was summoned to perform military service in person against
the Scots, muster at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in tha fifteen days of the Nativity of
St. John Baptist.2 This muster was afterwards prorogued to the 11th August3'
and again to 15th September.4 On the 20th November of the same year he
was summoned to a parliament at Lincoln in St. Hilary term.5 It was afterwards
prorogued to the first Monday in Lent (12 March).0 This meeting having been
again prorogued, he was re-summoned to a parliament at Lincoln on the morrow
of Holy Trinity (19th June), 1318.7 This meeting being again prorogued, and
on the 18th June, being addressed as one of the "majores barons," he was
informed that the parliament summoned and prorogued as above is revoked in.
consequence of the invasion of the Scots.8

We shall abstain from following all the lamentable vacillation of the weak
and indolent monarch through which the country became a prey to division
and destruction, famine and pestilence at home, and degradation and contempt
abroad, whilst Scotland became united and powerful under the courageous and
judicious guidance of Eobert Bruce. These are matters of general history and
reflect great discredit both upon the King and his barons. The latter, instead
of being united in the defence of the kingdom, formed combinations among
themselves to subvert the influence of the King's unworthy favourites and to
augment their own power in the state. The malcontents were headed by the
Earl of Lancaster, the King's uncle, a good man greatly respected and beloved.
What part the young Baron of Cory Malet took in these contentions we know
not, but we find that by writ tested at Westminster on 12th November, 1321,
he was ordered to abstain from attending a meeting of the " Good Peers "
illegally convened by the Earl of Lancaster to be held at Doncaster on Sunday
after the quinzaine of St. Martin (29th November).10 It would seem that he so
far maintained his loyalty to the King, for on the 6th February following, by
writ tested at Gloucester, he was enjoined to raise as many men-at-arms and
foot soldiers as he could, and to hold himself in readiness to march with them
to the King when thereunto summoned;11 and on the 14th of the same month
he was summoned to appear at the muster at Coventry on the first Sunday in

1 Pari. Writs.

» Ibid., 10th Edw. II, vol. i, p. 490.
s Ibid.

4 Ibid., p. 494.
» Ibid., p. 173.

« Ibid., p. 175.

7 Pari. Writs, 11th Edw. IT, vol. i, p. 179.

8 Ibid., p. 181.

,0 Pari. Writs., vol. ii, p. 169.

11 Pari. Writs., 15th Edw. II, vol. i, p. 545.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

in Lent (28th February) for the purpose of marching against the rebels or
adherents of the Earl of Lancaster.1 Upon this followed the battle of Borough
Bridge when the Earl of Lancaster with many others were made prisoners, and
the Earl, after being subjected to great indignities, was beheaded at Pontefract.

The King, encouraged by this triumph over his insurgent barons, determined
upon another expedition into Scotland, and in preparation thereto summoned a
parliament to be held at York within the three weeks of Easter (2nd May),
to which Hugh Poyntz was summoned.2 On 11th May he was summoned to
perform military service in person against the Scots, muster at Newcastle-upon-
Tyne on the eve of St. James.3 The King's plan for the winter campaign was
simply that he and his army should be stationed at that place to watch the
movements of the Scots, so that in the following summer more effectual
proceedings might be taken against them so as to put an end to the war. By
writ tested at Pontefract, 23rd February, and at Knaresborough on the 9th
March, Hugh Poyntz was again summoned to perform military service in
person and also commanded to raise as many men-at-arms as he could over
and above his contingent due by tenure, muster at York in one month of
Easter, and at Newcastle in the octave of St. John Baptist.4 Delays again
however took place, but at length the King marched from York with a great
host but badly supplied with provisions and transport. On the 18th April
Hugh Pointz is commanded to provide pack saddles for the use of the army
in case it should be expedient to advance without the wagon train5; notwith-
standing however all these delays and preparations, the unfortunate King was
doomed again to return with dishonour.

As an evidence of his loyalty to the King in the recent quarrel with the
barons, Hugh Pointz was accepted as one of the manucaptors for the good
behaviour of Thomas de Gurnay on his discharge from imprisonment as an
adherent of the Earl of Lancaster and also for the payment of the fine imposed
upon him.6 On 2nd December in the same year (1324) he was summoned to
a great council of the "Magnates," to be held at Winchester on the 3rd March;7
and on the place of meeting being altered to Westminster on 20th February,
he was summoned thither for the octave of Easter.8

In 1325 misunderstandings arose between Edward and the King of France,

1 Pari. Writs, 15th Edw. II. vol i, p. 549.

2 Ibid., vol. i, p. 246.

3 Ibid., vol. i, p. 569.

4 Ibid., vol. i, pp. 621, 622.

5 Ibid., p 627.

' Pari. Writs, 17th Edw. II. Kecognizance

dated 1st July. Vol. ii, p. 255.
' Ibid., vol. i, p. 326.
8 Ibid., p. 327.

♦

24 MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

in consequence of the former having neglected to do homage for his earldoms
of Aquitain and Ponthieu, and Philip seized upon all the King of England's
possessions in Prance. The Earl of Kent, the King's brother, was sent over to
endeavour to adjust the differences, but failing;, the King determined upon an
expedition into Prance, to secure his dominions in that country, under the command
of the Earl of Warren, and Hugh Poyntz was summoned from Somerset and
Dorset to join the muster at Portsmouth on Monday next after Mid-Lent, to
pass into Guienne ; but the differences were afterwards adjusted through the
intervention of the Queen and Prince Edward.1 In the subsequent rebellion
of the Queen and the Prince, Hugh Poyntz would seem to have maintained
his loyalty, and on the 24th June, 1326, he was appointed one of the Chief
Inspectors of Array in the counties of Somerset and Dorset, with special
powers2; and on the 15th August following he is addressed as the " Chief
Supervisor of the Array," and commanded to enforce the march of the
detachments ;3 and on 3rd December, 1326, he was summoned by the Queen
in the King's name to attend a parliament at Westminster on the morrow of
the Epiphany (7th January)4 at which, on the 25th, it was determined to
depose the King, and the unfortunate monarch's atrocious murder at Berkeley
Castle on the following St. Matthew's Day, needs scarcely to be alluded to.

We have little more to say of the public career of Hugh Poyntz. He is
stated by Dugdale and Banks to have been summoned to parliament until the
7th Edw. Ill (1333), and that he died 13th October in that }Tear, but Sir Harris
Nicolas alleges that he continued to be summoned to the 24th February,
17th Edw. Ill (1343),5 but we shall presently see that he was dead in
the 11th Edw. III.

King Edward II, in the 17th year of his reign, granted to Hugh Poyntz
the custody of the moiety of the manors of Hyneton and Mayne in co. Dorset
with appurtenances, which belonged to Peter son of Eeginald, deceased, until
the legal age of the heir.0 And on 21st July, 7th Edw. Ill, an Inquisition
was taken at Hoo in Kent to enquire if any damage would arise to the King
if licence were granted to Hugh Poyntz to alienate a moiety of the said manor
of Hoo to Nicholas Pointz and Alianora, his wife, to hold to the said Nicholas
and Alianora and the heirs of their bodies, in default of such issue, remainder
to the said Hugh and his heirs for ever.7 In 1326 he was granted the ultimate
remainder in fee of the demesnes of William la Zouche of Harringworth.8

1 Pari. Writs, 18th Edw. IT, vol. i, p. 701. 8 Synopsis of Peerage, vol. ii, p. 520.

2 Ibid., 19th Edw. II, vol. i, pp. 737, 744. 6 Rot. Orig., 17th Edw. II, No. 4.

3 Ibid., 20th Edw. II, vol. i, p. 757. 7 Inq. ad q.d., 7th Edw. Ill (2nd Nos.), No. 48.

4 Ibid., 20th Edw. II, vol. i, p. 351. « Pari. Writs, 19th Edw. II, vol. ii, p. 286.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

He married Margaret daughter of Sir Walter Paynell of Brook, co. Wilts, Knt.,
but we know not precisely when he died. It is not stated in his Inquisition post
mortem. In the Inquisition taken at Tokynton, on 10th June, 11th Edward III.,
the jurors say the said Hugh Poyntz on the day on which he died did not hold
any lands of the King in capite in the county of Gloucester, but that he held
the manor of Tokynton for the term of his life of the enfeoffment of Nicholas
Poinz, parson of the church of St. Mary of Hoo, and Hugh de Mehplush, parson
of the church of Corymalet, by fine levied in the Court of the now King, and
after his death remainder to Nicholas Poyntz his son and the heirs of his body
lawfully begotten, and they say the said manor is held of Hugh de Audele as
of his manor of Thornbury by the service of one knight; and they say further
that Nicholas Poyntz, son of the aforesaid Hugh is next heir of the said Hugh
and is aged 17 years.1 Besides this son, he had a daughter named Johanna, for
it appears from an Inquisition taken at Yetminster on Wednesday next after
the feast of St. Martin, 11th Edw. III., that he had granted to Johanna his
daughter a pension of £10 per annum out of the manor of Stoke St. Edward
and Batecombe which is parcel of the manor of Stoke St. Edward, for the term
of her life, which grant had never been remised nor quitclaimed to the said
Hugh.2

Nicholas Poyntz did homage for his lands and had liven' of seizin thereof
in 1340, as soon as he came of age, but he was never summoned to parliament.
The following Inquisition, taken the year after, is of great interest, as shewing
the nature of agricultural crops and their comparative value. It is an extent
and appraisement of the goods and chattels, lands and tenements of Nicholas

Poyntz, Knt., taken at Cory Malet on next after the feast of St. John

ante port Lat. 19th Edward III. The jurors say the said Nicholas had at Cory
Malet 85 acres of land sown with wheat, of the value of £34, price per
acre 8s. ; also 9^ acres sown with beans, value 57s., price per acre 6s. ; also
8 acres sown with barley, price 48s.; price per acre 6s.; also 70^ acres sown
with peas, value £14 2s. 0d., price per acre 4s. ; sum of the aforesaid £53 7s.
They say he had also there one court in which are buildings, the easements are
worth five marks, and two gardens the value of which per annum is 30s.; one
dovecote the value of which per annum is 20s.; and he had also 200 and four score
and one acres of arable land there, the value of which per annum is £22 4s. lid.,
price per acre 19d. ; he had there 55 acres of meadow which is of the value
of £18 6s. 8d., price per acre half a mark ; pasture in the park there value per
annum 100s.; he had there 13 acres of pasture value per annum 45s. 6d., price

1 Inq. p.m., 11th Edw. III. (1st Nos), iSTo. 45. 2 Inq. p.m., 11th Edw. III. (1st Nos.), No. 13.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

per acre 3s. 6d. ; lie had there one windmill worth per annum 28s., he had there
16 tenants in villanage who together held half a virgate of land and render one
with another lis. 9d. ; 22 tenants in villanage who hold one fardell of land each
and render per annum £8 16s. Od.: viz., one with another 8s., two tenants who
render 14s. 8d., three " coterelli,"1 who render per annum 3s. 9d., sixteen free
tenants who render per annum £8 15s. Od. He had there of rents of overland
per annum 40s. 6d., customary works per annum 3s. 4d., and pleas and perquisites
of the court there per annum 10 marks. Sum of the extent aforesaid

iiij xju xvjs ijd.

In the 29th Edw. III. (1355), Thomas, third Lord Berkeley, purchased to
himself and Katherine his wife, and the heirs male of their bodies, of Piers
Chilworth, the manor of Tokinton for the quiet enjoying whereof against Sir
Nicholas Poyntz of Cory Malet, they had from Piers a rent charge of £40 per
annum out of Broadway and Ellworth ; and afterwards he purchased out the
right and interest of Sir Nicholas Pointz with the advowson of the Chapel there
by deed without date.2 The manor of Tokinton, as we have seen, had been vested
in the family from time immemorial. We know not what interest Piers Chillworth
had in it. He was probably a mortgagee. Nor do we know the date of the
death of Sir Nicholas Poyntz. The Inquisition taken thereupon does not appear
to be now extant, but we find two Inquisitions of a somewhat unusual
character, from which we may infer that his pecuniary circumstances were not
very satisfactoiy, which would tend to support the suggestion we have offered
above as to the sale of Tokinton, and possibly account for his not having
received a summons to parliament.3 The first of these was taken at Berkeley
on 2nd March,. 1360-1, being an extent of the lands, goods, &c, which
belonged to the said Nicholas Poyntz, Knt., on the 4th June, 33rd Edw. Ill
(1359), in the county of Gloucester. The jurors say that he had at that
date in the county of Gloucester and afterwards, in Tokinton, one manor in
which was one messuage and one carucate of land, 30 acres of meadow, one

1 Coterrellus — that is a servile tenant who holds his lands in mere villanage. A vilan in
gross whose person, issue and goods may be disposed of at the pleasure of the lord.

3 Charter in Berkeley Castle. See Berkeley MSS., Smyth's Lives of the Berkelei/s, vol. i, p. 330.

:1 Eank and honours lapse for lack of means to support the dignity. A learned civilian holdeth
that diminutis divitiis, diminuitur honor, nam dot census honores, census amicitias. In the
17th Edw. IV. George Nevill, Duke of Bedford, son and heir of John Nevill, Marquis Montagu,
was degraded from the degree of Duke, Marquis, Earl, and Baron for want of means to support
his rank. (Rot. Pari., 17 Edw. IV., m. 12, No. 16). And again, as late as 1640, the right of
Roger Stafford, who was de jure Baron Stafford, was set aside, because he had no means to
support the title and dignity of a Baron. (State Papers, vol. cccclxvii, 47).

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

park, and one windmill, and that the value per annum was seven marks, and
that it was let to farm; and they also say that he had on the said 4th June
and afterwards there rent of assize per annum £20, and they say further that
he had not on the said 4th June or afterwards, any other lands, goods or
chattels in the county of Gloucester, and that Eobert de Hunteley and Thomas
Francklyn of the county Somerset had the goods and chattels of the said
Nicholas on the said 4th June and afterwards. This is explained by another
Inquisition taken at Berkeley on the same day being an extent taken before
Thomas Moigne Sheriff of Gloucester by virtue of a writ from the King
to the said sheriff directed, at the suit of Eichard Lamb, mercer, and Eobert
Webbe, citizens of London. The jurors say that Nicholas Poyns, Eobert de
Huntely and Thomas Frankeleyn of the county of Somerset have no goods or
chattels nor had any lands and tenements on the 4th June 1359, or afterwards,
in co. Gloucester which can be valued or extended, because that the said
Nicholas Poyns, Eobert de Huntele, and Thomas Frankeleyn on 4th June, 1359,
acknowledged that they owed, viz.: each of them for the whole to Eichard
Lamb and Eobert Webbe £320 in the quindene of St. Martin then next
to come, and have not yet paid the same to them. The extent was to be made
known to the King on the morrow of St. Gregory following. T. at West-
minster 8th February, 35th Edward III. (1360).'

Sir Nicholas Poyntz married Alianora the daughter of Sir John Erleigh. We
know not the date of his death, but he left no other issue than two daughters,
Margaret the wife of Sir John Newburgh of Lullworth, co. Dorset, and Amicia,
who married John Barry and died s.p., so that the barony is in abeyance between
the descendants of Margaret.2

This ends the line of Poyntz of Cory Malet.

» Escheats 35th Edward III, Part I, No. 131.
E2

2 Banks's "Baronage," vol. i, p. 401.

28 MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

PEDIGBEE OP POYNTZ OF COEY MALET.

Table I.

Pons, or Pontius, supposed1
to have come with William
the Conqueror. Had large
grants of lands in England.
Dead before 1086.

Drogo fitz Pons held lands in Leach and
Frampton, co. Glouc. , manors in other cos.
of the King in cap., and 73 manors in
Devon of the Bp. of Coutances, he also
held the manor of Swell in Glouc. of
William de Ou, 1086, ob. s.p.

Walter fitz Pons
held land in Leach,
co. Glouc, in Oxon,
and at Eton near
Windsor. Gave lands
at Eton to Westmin-
ster Abbey (Domsd. )
ob. s.p.

1 Poyntz.

2 Bardolph.

3 Malet.

4 Basset.

5 Cantilupe.

6 Zouche.

Richard fitz Pons;
inherited the manors
of Bampton, Leach,
Frampton, Sea., from
liis brother Dro2;o.

=Maud.

Osbert=j
fitz
Pons.

Simon de Clif-
ford, co. Wore,
founder of the
Priory there, ob.
s.p.

Walter fitz Richard=
fitz Pons, Senes-
chal of Roger de
Toeni. born before
1116, ob. 119(1.

Margaret, da. of
Ralph de Toeni.
Lord of Flamstead.
Received from her
father the Castle
of Clifford as her
dowry.

1 — 1

Richard.

Borta, wife
of Elias
Giffard.

I —

William.

Ralph.

Simon fitz Pons in-
herited the manor
of Swell, the tithe
of the demesne of
which he granted
to the Church of
Tewkesbury.

Pons, or Poncius fitz===.
Simon, held of the
Honour of Gloucester
eight knights' fees in
Swell and Tokinton
of the old feoffment
of the Earl of Glor
cester.

Walter de=j=Agnes, da.
Clifford of Roger
fitz Walter. Cundi.

The Earls of Cumberland.

William de Richard de 01if-=j=Letitia, da. Amicia, wife

Clifford. ford of Framp- I of de of Osbern

ton, ob. 1213. I Berkeley. Fitz Hugh

of Richards
The Cliffords of Frampton. Castle.

Lucia, Fair Rosamund,
wife of
Hugh
de Say.

Nicholas Fitz Pons gave from Gloucestershire in 1194-5=
300 marks of aid for the ransom of King Richard I. (Rot. Pip.
6 Rich. I.) Patron of the Chapel of Tokinton. In 1218 he
and Johanne his wife had a grant of a market at their manor
of Ametut, granted lands in Catebroc to the Abbey of St.
Augustin, Bristol. Paid scutage for 7 knights' fees in Glou-
cester 3 John.

:.Iohanna de Traily, who after the death of her
husband Nicholas Poyntz quitclaimed to the
Abbot of St. Augustin's all her right upon
lands called Kings- Marshe. She remar. Bald-
win de Bethune, who joined with her in a
further quitclaim of these and other lands.

Hugh Poyntz confirmed the grant of his father of lands in Catebroc=j=Juliana, da. of Hugh and niece and
to the Abbey of St. Augustin, Bristol. Lord of the Manor of I coh. of Robert Bardolf,
Tokinton, co. Gloucester. Living in 1218, '

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Hugh Poyntz, son and heir, a minor in:
4th H. Ill, his wardship and marriage
granted to Gilbert Earl of Gloucester
(Rot. Claus. 14th Hen. III., 1229-30).
Died before April 1219.

LTelewisia, dau. and coh. of William Malet,
Baron of Cory Malet, by Alice, dau. and
coh. of Thomas Lord Basset of Hedington,
remar. in 1221 Robert de Muscegros.

Ralph Poyntz had grant of the
wardship and marriage of the heir
of his brother Hugh Poyntz, 1 233-4.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz, son and heir, Lord of Cory Malet, =pElizabeth,

co. Som., Sutton, in Dorset, Hoo, in Kent, Tokinton,
in Glouc, and Dollingham, in Camb. He was still a
minor in j 232. His wardship and marriage granted to
his uncle, 18th Hen. III. (1233-4). In 1251 he exchanged
lands in Swell with the Prior and Monks of Great Mal-
vern, and other lands with Richard Earl of Cornwall.
Died 1272. Inq. p.m. 1 Edw. I., No. 17.

dau. and
coheir of
Timothy
Dyall.

Sir Hugh Poyntz, son and heir, aged 21 years1
on his father's death, did homage for his
Barony 2 Ed. I., and was summoned to Pari,
from 23rd of that King. Held the Manor of
Tokinton and presented one Walter Manford
to the Chapel there 1293. (Wore, Bishop
Giffbrd's Reg., fo. 195). Served in person in
the Welsh and other wars. Died cir. 1307.
Inq. p.m. 1 Edw. II., No. 46.

Margaret, da.
of Sir William
Paveley.

Elizabeth, dau. of Eudo de la:
Zouche of Harringworth, (by
Milicent his wife, dau. of
William Cantilupe, Lord Ber-
gavenny), and coheir of her
brother George. 1 wife.

'Sir Nicholas Poyntz, son and heir,=
2 Baron of Cory Malet, aged 28 years
on his father's death. Summoned to
Pari, from 1308-9 to 1311. Died 1311,
seized, inter alia, of the Manorof Took -
inton and of many Knights' fees in
Dorset and Somerset. Inq. p.m. 5th
Edw. II', No. 62.

=Matilda, dau. and coh. of Sir John
Acton of Iron Acton, by Margery,
dau. and coh. of John d'Anvre or
Aln, of co. Som., 2 wife, assigned
dower in her husband's lands 1314.

Hugh Poyntz, son and heir, 3 Baron=f=Margaret, da. of Sir

of Cory Malet, aged 18 years on his
father's death. Certified to be of full
age 1316. Summ. to Pari, from 1317
to 1330. Served in the Scots Wars.
Died on the feast of the Annun.
B.V.M. 13th Edw. III. Inq. p.m.
20th Edw. IIT., Part 1, No. 1.

Walter Paynel of
Brook, co. Wilts, Knt.

Nicholas Poyntz of Hoo,
co. Kent. 2 son. See
Table II.

Sir John Poyntz,
son and heir of
his mother. See
Table III.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz, son and hehy
aged 19 yeais on his father's death.
Did homage for his lands and had
livery of seizin in 1340, but was
never summ. to Pari. He alienated
the Manor of Tokinton to Thomas
Lord Berkeley. Date of death not
known. Escheats 35th Edw. Ill,
Part 1, No. 131.

=Alianora, da.
of Sir John
Erleigh, Knt.

Margaret, dau. and coheir,
wife of Sir John Newburgh
of Lullworth, co. Dorset.

Johanna, to whom
her father granted a
pension out of the
Manor of Stoke St.
Edward and Bate-
combe.

Amicia, wife of John
Barry, ob. s.p.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

CHAPTEK II.
Poyntz of Essex.

We have seen (ante page 19) that Sir Nicholas Poyntz of Cory Malet, Knt.,
the second Baron of that name, died seized inter alia of the Manor of Hoo in
the county of Kent, leaving Hugh his eldest son, by his first marriage with
Elizabeth de la Zouche, his nearest heir, who was born on the feast of All Saints
1292. He would, therefore, be of full age on 2nd November 1313. We do not
know exactly when he obtained seizin of his lands, but he was certified on the
5th March 131G as Lord, or joint Lord, of the hundred of Hoo in Kent and
the advowsons of the Churches of SS. Margaret and Werburgh at Hoo. It
should, however, be stated that a certain Nicholas Poyntz was about this date
parson of the Church of St. Mary at Hoo, who was one of the trustees under
a settlement of the Manor of Tokington to the use of Hugh Poyntz for the
term of his life, with remainder to Nicholas Poyntz his son and heir and the
heirs of his body.1 This cleric could not have been the founder of a family.
After an Inquisition ad quod damnum, taken at Hoo 21st July, 7th Edw. III., (1333)
Hugh Poyntz obtained the royal licence to alienate a moiety of the Manor of
Hoo to Nicholas Poyntz and Alianora his wife, to hold to the said Nicholas and
Alianora and the heirs of the said Nicholas begotten of the body of the said
Alianora. In default of such issue remainder to the said Hugh and his heirs
for ever.2 He kept it not long however. On Monday in Whitsun week, 1345,
an Inquisition was taken at Eochester to enquire if any damage would arise to
the King or others if Nicholas Poyntz were permitted to enfeoff John de Grey
of Codnere in the manor of Hoo, excepting the advowson of the church,
in exchange for the manors of Brodeway and Estelleworth in the county of
Dorset, and inasmuch as the jurors saw no objection, the exchange was allowed
to be effected,3 and in the following year the advowson of the church, with one
acre of land, was also so alienated.4

1 Inq. p.m. llthEchv. III. (1st Nos.), No. 43. ' Inq. ad quod damnum, 19th Edw. III. (2 Nos.), No. 60.
8 Esch. 7th Edw. III. (2 Nos.), No. 48. * Inq. 20th Edw. III. (2 Nos.), No. 3a.

MEMOIK OF THE FAMILY- OF POYNTZ.

It appears from the Visitation of Essex in 1612 that this Nicholas was
the second son of Sir Nicholas Poyntz, Knt., by the aforesaid Elizabeth Zouche,
and the father of another Nicholas who was of North Wokenden or Ockenden
in that county in 47th Edw. III. (1372).1 "The Old Home of the Poyntz
family of North Ockenden Hall, abuts on the south side of the Church-yard.
It is still a handsome house, but modernised. One of its ancient insignia,
its well-stocked moat, is still there full of memories of the past."2

The last named Nicholas is shewn to be the father of Poncius, or Poyntz
Poyntz, Esq., who is said to have been living in 1392, and was doubtless the
same person who in 1393, under the name of Pontius, presented to the Church
of North Ockenden. It is said his wife's name was Elinor and that she was
living in this year. It is elsewhere said that his name was Henry, and that
the said Henry married Elianor daughter of . . . Baudwin of Essex. And it
may be here observed that there is a gravestone in the floor of the church
covering the grave of a William Baudwin, who died in 1316. This William
might have been the grandfather of Elianor. The pedigree of the family of
Poyntz of Essex is so far very unsatisfactory and uncertain, but it is the best
we can deduce from the conflicting statements. Poncius Poyntz had a younger
brother named Edward. Poncius left a son and heir, Sir John Poyntz, Knt.,
who is said to have been living in 1351, more than 40 years before his father's
death. In the Essex Visitation before quoted his wife is said to have been called
"Maude," but he married Eleanor daughter of Sir John Daucote (Deincourt),
Knt., and died in 1447, and his wife appears to have pre-deceased him. He does
not mention her in his will dated 12th March 1446-7, in which he describes himself
as John Pointz, Esq., of North Wokenden, and directs that he shall be buried
in the chapel of St. Mary there. He names his sons John, Eeginald, and
Thomas upon whom he settles his estates in tail male, and in default of such
issue upon their sisters Agnes and Matilda, in default on the right heirs of
his late mother Alianora.3 There is a monument to him in North Wokenden
Church, in which mention is made of Alianora his wife, one of the daughters
and coheirs of Sir John Daucote, Knight, of his son and heir John, and of
his daughters Matilda and Margaret, but the latter having probably been previously
married to John de Bynes, Gent., is not named in the will, having doubtless
been already portioned. It may, however, be here mentioned that the early
Poyntz monuments in this church are not of much value as evidence, the

1 Harl. Soc, vol. xiii, p. 268. * Palm's " More about Stifford."

1 Prub. Lambeth 13th May 1447, Stafford's Keg. 149.

MEMOIK OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

inscriptions having been composed ~hy Sir Gabriel Poyntz when, in 1606, he
built a family vault in the church.1

John Poyntz succeeded his father in his estates, and in the following year
presented to the Church of North Okenden, as he did again in 1463. He
married Matilda daughter and coheir of William Perth of Aveley, who pre-
deceased him. By his will, in which he describes himself as Johannes firms
ac heres Johannis senioris, dated 15th April 1469, he directs that his body shall
be buried at North Okenden at the "auters end before ye imadg of St. Andrew,"
and leaves money to the new work of the steeple of the church and to the
glazing of the window at the west end. He names his son Thomas, his daughters
Thomasine, Catherine and Ann Poynes, and gives to Maud his wife his lordship
of North Ho, with advowson to William my son.2 His daughter Beatrix he
does not name, probably because she was already married to John Cheek of
Debenham and provided for.

William Poyntz on his father's death succeeded to the family estates. Jointly
with Edmund Shaa. Alderman of London, he presented to the church of North
Okenden in 1480. That gentleman was son of John Shaa of Droukenfield, co.
Chester, and was of the Goldsmiths' Company. He was Sheriff of London in
1474 and Lord Mayor in 1483.3 On his death, before 1487, he bequeathed
500 marks for rebuilding the postern gate at Cripplegate, which had fallen
into ruin, which work was carried out in 1490. 4 William Po}mtz married
Elizabeth the daughter of this gentleman, and after his death, in 1487, he
presented solely to the church of North Okenden. The marriage settlements
upon this alliance will account for Alderman Shaa being united with him in

1 Mr. Suckling, in his " Memorials of the Essex Churches," says, " By far the most remarkable
feature in North Ockenden Church is the succession of monumental tablets erected (by Sir Gabriel
Poyntz, Kt.) to the family of Poyntz. There are eleven mural slabs, besides several brass plates
and two effigies in praying attitude. The mural slabs seem all to have been put up at one time,
and during the reign of James I. They partake of one general character, viz.: a pediment supported
by two Grecian columns, having kneeling figures in the recess, and an inscription below. The minuter
details, however, are varied, and what is singular and gives the greater value to the series is that
every figure is appropriately habited in the costume peculiar to the time in which he flourished. So
minutely are these distinctions observed, that the very dressing of the female hair, and the beard
and moustache of the warrior are trimmed with scrupidous exactness. These mural monuments are
of small proportions, but we bestow more attention on them than on the adjoining recumbent figures,
which coarsely carved in full proportion recline beneath canopies resplendent with paint and gilding.'"'

2 Godyn, but no date of probate.

3 Herbert's "History of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of London," vol. ii, p. 200.

4 Wriothesley's "Chronicle," Camden Society, 1875, p. 2; Denton's "History of St. Giles,
Cripplegate," p. 76.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

the patronage of the church. Elizabeth Shaa was also the sister of Sir John
Shaa, likewise a goldsmith. He represented the City of London in Parliament
in 1496 and 1502, in which latter year he was elected Lord Mayor.1 Lord
Mayor's show was instituted in 1453-4, but the more costly of the pageants
were discontinued in 1685. Sir John Shaa caused his brethren the Aldermen
to ride from the Guildhall to the river side when he went to Westminster to
be presented to the Exchequer.2 It appears from the monument in North Okenden
Church that Elizabeth the wife of William Poyntz died 21st August 1502, and
her husband followed her to the grave in 1504. Sir John Shaa, Knt. in his
will, dated 26th December 1503, mentions his brother Poyntz.3

John Poyntz, son and heir of William, succeeded his father in the North
Okenden estates and presented to the Church in 1531 and 1546. He married
Ann, daughter and coheir of Isaac Sibelles, a lady of Buckinghamshire. She
had been previously married, but the name of her former husband is unknown
to us. Her daughter Frances was the wife of John Asteley of Constable
Melton, Norfolk. This John Poyntz, like his kinsman Sir Eobert of Iron Acton,
was attached to the Household of Queen Katherine of Arragon as one of the
Sewers of the Queen's Chamber, and was in attendance upon her at the
magnificent interview between the Kings of England and Prance, commonly
known as the " Pield of the Cloth of Gold," in 1520.4 He was a friend of
Sir Thomas Wyat, and was the person to whom Sir Thomas addressed two of
his poetical epistles. In one of these, addressed to John Poyntz, he concludes
with these lines :

" But I am here in Kent and Christendom e

'Among the Muses, where I reade and rime ;
Where, if thou list, mine own, John Poines, to come
Thou shalt he judge, how I do spende my time."

Letter from Allington Castle, Kent.

John Poyntz died sine prole 13th June 1547, having made his will on the 30th
of the preceding month.5 In it he names his brother Thomas, his sisters
Barleymay and Sponer, and Prideswide, daughter of his brother Edmund. He
leaves his personal estate to his wife Ann and devises the reversion of the
manor, after the death of his brother Thomas, in default of heirs, to Gabriel,

1 Herbert, ii, p. 200.

" Burton's Historical Kemarks on London," p. 73.

3 Prob. 13th May 1504 P.C.C. (13 Holgrave.)

4 Kymer's " Foedera," vol. vi, p. 182.

J There is a portrait of him published in " Historic Portraits of the Court of Henry VIII,"
from drawings by Hans Holbein in Windsor Castle.
F

MEMOIK OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

son and heir of Thomas and his heirs with remainder to Vernando and
Kobert, brothers of Gabriel in tail male; names his late father, William Poyntz,
and directs that his body shall be buried in North Ockenden Church under the
arch between the chancel and the Chapel of Our Lady.1

His relict survived her husband about seven years, and in 1554 presented
to the Church of JNorth Ockenden, and died a few days after the institution
of her Clerk. She made two wills, both of which were proved. In her first
will, dated in 1550, she makes bequests to the children of her daughter,
Frances Asteley, some of which bequests are worth noting, e.g., To Bridget
Asteley, eldest child and daughter, a browch all of golde with this scripture
about it : Miex suys bocage que toy dan la cage (i.e., mieux suys bocage
que toi dans la cage), and a woman enamyled white and a cage hanging on
a ragged staf with a bird enclosed in it. a standing boole of silver with cover
all gilte, pois xxvij oz. quar. d. d. and xx1 in money. To Ann Asteley, second
child and second daughter, a tablet of gold, with Adam and Eve tempted by
the spirite, figured over theyr heddes, one on thone side and this scripture
about it : " Come forth Trowghte thoughe false hoode be wrowthe," and on
the other side : a man holding a brawnch of flowers in his hand and a
woman holding a harte in her hand, and this scripture about them : " Take
you here my harte with love and love more" — a ringe of gold, a turkys in yt.
— more 15 score and xxiij links of my own chayn of gold' fashioned like the
lyncks of a coat of male, and not much bigger, but somewhat thycker than
they commonlyke — more, an eye for a billyment2 of xj garnet stones, round,
like heddes, and xliij peaces of gold between them enamyled blew in the
mydest — more, a playne salte of silver with a cover gilte, poiz by estimacion
xxiij oz. — more, two standing potts of silver all gilte, with drawen strypes
playn, poiz iiijxxxij oz — more a dozen silver spoones with 12 Apostles, parcel

gilt, poiz oz d. d. — more, a gilt spoone with Christ at the ende poiz by

estimacion one oz. d.d. and in gold half soverans of H. viij coyn £60.

To Isaac Asteley, a hoope of gold, my first husband's wedding ringe
sometime.

To Jacob Asteley, the said Frances fyveth child alive and her second
sonne alive in birth, Maister Pointz chayne of gold sometyme, of tenne score
and five lyncks fasioned rounde.

To Cheney Asteley sixth child alive, and in age the third sonne in birth,
our Lady assumpted, all in gold, with her Sonne in her arms, and sitting

1 Probate, 18 May 1547, P.C.C. (39 Alen.)

2 Billaments. — The attire or ornaments of a woman's head, or neck, — a necklace.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

on the half mone, with a ruby stone in yt, and a ringe of gold with a ruby
in yt, a standinge boole of silver with a cover graven all over without,
poiz xxxij oz.

To Pebecca daughter of the said Frances Asteley, a broche all of gold
with a woman sitting upon a wheal and slawinge1 a lion by the bache (St.
Catherine) ; a ringe of gold with a stone in yt of a red stone graven with an
old crooked man ; a gilt goblet with a cover graven with the Pointz arms
and my own in the top xxxj oz.

All these beautiful and valuable articles of jewelled plate, except "my first
husband's wedding ringe," were probably the property of the Poyntz family,
possibly heirlooms, and the bequests shew the folly of a weak or uxorious
husband giving his wife, who has children only by a former hushand, power to
dispose of the family plate. What would be its value if it were in existence
now !

The second will of Ann Poyntz was dated on the 16th May 1554. In this
she willed to be buried according to the orders and customs of the Catholic
Church, with such honest obsequies and rites as to her state and degree should
be thought convenient, and she makes further bequests of jewelry. She
probablv died the same day.2 She would appear to have been buried at St.
Dunstan's in the West, London, for " upon an old worne stone below the little
east door occur the following arms : Barry Or and Gules, in chief a mullet
(for difference) (Poyntz) impaling Gyronny of eight Az. and Or, four martlets
in lozenge counterchanged (Sibelles).3

Thomas Poyntz on the death of his brother John succeeded to the Manor
of North Ockenden, and the relict of his said brother being dead, in 1550 he
presented to the church, as he did again in 1559. He was a London Merchant
resident at Antwerp, where he married Ann Van Calva, daughter and one of
the coheirs of John Calva, a native of Germany. Here his children were born,
and in 1541 an Act of Parliament was obtained for their naturalization, in
the preamble to which he is described as " Thomas Poyntz of London Grocer,
occupying the seate of marchauiidise in the Partes beyond the seas." He is

1 Slaying. "I would not that, sayd Robyn,
Jolian that thou were dawe
For all the golde in mery England,
Though it lay now on a rawe."

Halliwell. " Robin Hood," i, 54.

^ Probate, 18 May 1554.

3 " Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica," vol. iv, pp. 106, 108.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

connected with an interesting episode in the history of the Eeformation. Whilst
resident at Antwerp Tyndale was his guest for nearly a year. Tyndale, by
the treachery of spies, was betrayed into the hands of the Emperor's officers
and was brought to trial at Augsburg, where he was condemned to be burnt,
His last words were — " Lord, open the King of England's eyes." Thomas Poyntz
nearly shared the same fate for his fearless intervention to procure the release
of Tyndale through King Henry VIII. his brother John Poyntz having been in
the household of Queen Katherine many years. His appeal was in vain. He
was cast into prison from which he fortunately escaped, in circumstances of
great peril, to England.' His letter to his brother is dated 25th August 1535.-'
Thomas Poyntz died intestate, and was buried at St. Dunstan's in the West on
5th May 1562. Administration was granted on the 6th of the following month
to Gabriel Poyntz his son.

Thomas Poyntz left four children, three sons and a daughter. : viz., Gabriel,
son and heir, of whom we will write presently ; 2, Ferdinando (or Varnando) ;
3, Eobert ; 4, Susanna.

Ferdinando Po3rntz was a merchant of London, residing at St. Dunstan's in
the East (? West), and was a man of some importance. The Lords of the Council
addressing the Prince of Orange on 4th March 1577-8, commended to him
Ferdinand Poyntz, a merchant of London and a man of repute, who is coming
to him about the matters of the English Merchants, whose ships and merchandise
have been arrested by his commandment, and to take the bonds of the Estates
of Plolland and Zealand for the repayment of the money given for their
release. :!

He was also somewhat of an enoineer. In 1582. when considerable works
were found to be necessary for the protection of Dover Harbour, Fernando
Poyntz sent in to the Privy Council plans, specifications and estimates for the
execution of the work, and upon a comparison of the charges according to the
plan presented by all the Commissioners of the Harbour and the plan offered
by Mr. Poyntz, that of the latter was accepted by the Council. Jealousies,
however, immediately began to display themselves. Mr. Poyntz on 20th May
complains to Lord Burleigh of obstructions to his proceedings and false reports
raised against himself. Funds, however, were ordered to be placed at his disposal.
Further particulars were offered by Mr. Poyntz for carrying on the work
according to his " platt," perhaps to meet the objections of his enemies, and

1 Anderson's "History of the Bible," p. 233.

* Cott, MSS. Galba, B. 8.

3 State Papers, Elizabeth, Foreign.

MEMOIR, OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

the price for which he would make the same, which particulars we find in the
handwriting of Burleigh. On 27th June Articles were agreed upon between
the Lords and others of the Privy Council for executing the repair of the
harbour according to the above, and the work was commenced. On
14th August Lord Cobham, Warden of the Cinque Ports, John Garnett, Mayor
of Dover, and other Commissioners for the harbour, apply to Sir Thomas Scott,
Treasurer of the Works, for the payment of £445 to Fernando Poyntz, he
having already received £500, to be employed on the works, and the same
parties on the same day wrote to Sir Thomas Scott desiring that £55 may be
paid to Mr. Poyntz for the works.

Mr. Poyntz had not, however, got rid of his difficulties. Eichard Barrey,
the Lieutenant of Dover Castle, seems not to have borne good will towards
him. In December he writes to the Lords of the Council stating that he had
signified to Mr. Po}aitz their Lordships' commands for the present making of
two " groynes" for the support of the harbour, and that he had desired Mr.
Bedwell to see that Poyntz does not neglect it. A month later (26th January
1583) he writes to Lord Cobham stating that the mouth of the harbour had
been opened these eight days, and says that, in his opinion, the works would
not stand any tempestuous weather, and adds that nothing had been done
towards constructing the two " groynes :;' also some days afterwards the Com-
missioners state their opinion that Mr. Poyntz's works are weak and slender,
and that order should be taken for one " groyne" forthwith, under the direction
of the Lieutenant of the Castle and the Mayor of Dover. Fernando reports
his proceedings to Sir Francis Walsingham and complains of the partial
conduct of the Lieutenant, for what he misliketh there are but few that dare
say to the contrary, and he adds that the principal timber he had procured
is now like to be wasted in the " groynes." He further desires to be released
from his task. At the same time the Mayor (Thomas Andrews) and jurats of
Dover writing to the Council give their favourable opinion of the works
constructed by Mr. Poyntz. They say, " the storms and foul weather and the
infamous libels of some lewd disposed persons might have dismaj'ed him."
Nevertheless three weeks afterwards the same parties write again to the Council
urging the necessity of immediately proceeding with the long wall.

We have no means of forming an opinion upon the merits of the case,
but Mr. Poyntz from the beginning appears to have been subjected to perse-
cution. He was obliged to succumb. On 25th April 1583 he wrote to
Walsingham reporting the state of the works when he left them, and offering
to fill up the opening he had made for the harbour if it should be thought

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

not worth the maintenance, and stating that he had cleared up all accounts
to the end of March.1

He married Elizabeth daughter of Samuel Johnson of Flintshire, and had
a daughter named Sarah, who became the first wife of Clement Harbie of
London,- and had a son Sir Clement Harby, Consul in the Morea. who was
knighted at Whitehall 21st April 1669. He died intestate in 1586, and adminis-
tration of his effects was granted to Elizabeth his, relict on 12th May in that
year.

Of Eobert Poyntz we know nothing except that he is named in the
monumental inscription to his father erected in North Ockenden Church.

Susanna Poyntz was the wife for fifty years of Sir Ei chard Saltonstall, Knt.,
who was Lord Mayor of London in 1598, by whom she had seven sons and
nine daughters. He died 17th March 1601, and she, surviving, was executrix to
his will,3 and erected to his memory in the chapel of South Ockenden Church,
where he was buried, a sumptuous monument. She died in 1613, and by her
will/ dated 16th November 1612, directed that her body should be buried in
the same church.

Gabriel Poyntz, eldest son and heir of Thomas Poyntz and Ann Calva, was
born in 1538, and by licence from the Bishop of London, dated 14th November
1568, he married Etheldreda (Audrey), daughter of Peter Cutts of Debden, Esq.,
and relict of Ealph Latham of North Ockenden, who made his will only on the
3rd September previously appointing her his sole executrix, and she proved the
said will5 as Audree Latham on the 15th October : just a month before her
re-marriage to Gabriel Poyntz. She died on the 2nd December 1594, and was
buried in North Ockenden Church.

Gabriel Poyntz presented to the church of North Ockenden in 1569 and
in 1582. In 1577 he was Sheriff for Essex, as he was a second time in 1589.
It appears from a note in " Notes and Queries " in 1853 that there was then
a portrait at Bradley, Ashbourne, co. Derby, inscribed Gabriel Poyntz, An. Domini
1568, Eetatis suse 36, and having thereon the arms : Barry of eight, Or and Gu.
with a crest very indistinct but resembling a lion's head and the motto
" Clainte kefrainte."6 The portrait was painted in the year in which Gabriel

1 State Papers, Elizabeth, 1582-1583, A'ols. clvi, clviii, clix, clx, clxii, numerous papers in
each volume.

2 He was second son of Thomas Harby of Adston, Northants, Esq., and elder brother of -lob
Harby, created Baronet of Aldenham 17th July 1660.

3 Prob. 9th May 1601, P.C.C. (32 Woodhall.)

4 Prob. 23rd Feb. 1612-13, P.C.C. (10 Capell.)

5 Prob, 15 Oct. 1568 (20 Babington).

6 " Notes and Queries," 1 Series, vol. viii, p. 449.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Poyntz was married, when, according to his own shewing, he was thirty years
of age, and it is probable that the figures denoting the age of the subject of
the portrait, like the crest, which should be a cubit arm, fist clenched, had become
indistinct, and had been erroneously read for thirty-six instead of for thirty.

In 1595 Gabriel Poyntz was resident in Aldgate, and he received the
honour of knighthood at Whitehall on 30th May 1604.

Sir Gabriel had two children : 1st, Thomas his son and heir ; and 2nd,
Katherine.

Thomas was a member of Gray's Inn, and on the 3rd March 1595-6
married Jane daughter of Sir William Peryam, Chief Baron of the Exchequer,
born in 1573. Thomas Poyntz died 17th December 1597 intestate, leaving
issue two infant daughters named Audrey and Susan, and Jane his relict
administered to his effects on 4th July 1598. She married secondly, as his
second wife, Thomas Dockwra of Putteridge, co. Herts, Esq., and died
15th March 1605-6. These orphan children in their tender years were left
therefore to the natural guardianship of their grandfather.

Sir Gabriel, who was very desirous that his lands of inheritance in Essex
should descend in his own name, was naturally disappointed at the early death
of his only son without issue male, and it is alleged, by John Poyntz alias
Morris, son of Edward Morris, 2nd son of James Morris, attorney for the
Court of Wards and Liveries, which John had assumed the name of Poyntz, to
which he could not have any possible claim, when he appeared as a claimant
to the Poyntz estates in Essex and other lands, upon forged documents, that
upon failure of the issue of his uncle his said grandfather James Morris, being
desirous of settling his Manor of Chipping Ongar and other lands upon his
heirs male in tail, conferred thereon with Gabriel Poyntz, and it was agreed
between him and the said Gabriel Poyntz that John Morris's eldest son
and heir apparent of the said James Morris, should take to wife Katherine
Poyntz the only daughter of the said Gabriel upon divers considerations :
viz., that £1000 was to be paid upon the conveyance to Gabriel in lieu
of their portion, and to the end that Audrey and Susan should not claim any
interest in the lands of their grandfather Gabriel, and £3000 was to be paid
unto Audrey and Susan Poyntz, the two daughters of Thomas Poyntz and
grandchildren of Gabriel, in lieu of their portions, and in consideration the
said John Morris and his heirs should ever write their names Pointz alias Morris,
and be called by that name, to bear up the name of the Poyntzes and their
arms, which " intencion " is made upon record in the Heralds' Office.1 This
1 Chancery Bills (Whittington), JXo. 16, Hil. 1652.

40 MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

averment on the part of the fraudulent claimant would seem to have been carried
out to the disinherison of the two infant daughters of Thomas Poyntz of their
ancestral estates, Gabriel Poyntz "preferring," in the words of another deponent,
"the sons of his daughter to the daughters of his son." John Morris was born
in 1569 and was knighted 22nd May 1603, and Katherine his daughter died
before her father.

Sir Gabriel Poyntz made his will 23rd July 1606. He gave to Elizabeth Morris
and Ann Morris the daughters of Lady Catherine Morris, late wife to Sir John
Morris of Chipping Ongar, £400 each of ready money which he then had in
the house ; gives 20s. a year to be employed yearly upon the reparation,
mayntenance, &c, of the monuments, tombs, vautes, and other remembrances
that he had caused to be made in the north chapel of the church of North
Okenden for ever; and he does not "revoke the money given, assigned, lymited,
and appointed to be paid out of my lands to Audry Poyntz and Susan Poyntz,
daughters of my late son Thomas Po}mtz, deceased, by a Deed of Uses that
I have made of all my lands to Richard Cutts and William Cutts, Esquires, to
certain uses therein contayned, bearing date 1604. Sir John Morris, Knt., my
executor to dispose of my goods and chattels as he shall think convenient." In
a memorandum annexed he mentions his sister Burton's daughters she had by
Arnett.1 As executor of the will of Sir Gabriel Poyntz, Sir John Poyntz, alias
Morris, would naturally become the guardian of the orphan daughters of Thomas
Poyntz, but to this exception was taken by Sir John Cutts, probably the uncle,
and Thomas Docwra the stepfather of the children. In March 1608 Sir John
Poyntz writing to the Earl of Salisbury expressed himself willing to submit to
the Earl's decision in the matter. It would appear that the contention resulted
in the children being taken into wardship of the King,- and that the charge of
their persons was assigned to Sir John Poyntz, certain payments being made for
their maintenance by Lady Cutts, who, probably, had charge of their property.
In 1616 Lady Cutts, by an order in the Court of Wards, dated 27th October,
was required to show cause for the non-payment of money for the maintenance
of Audrey and Susan Poyntz, the King's wards, and the unreasonableness of
the order was shewn, she having already paid certain sums to Sir John Poyntz.

Audrey Poyntz married Adam Littleton of Stoke Milburgh, co. Salop, created
a Baronet 14th October 1642, and died cir. 1647. She died 1648. She was
the grandmother of Sir Thomas Littleton, who was elected Speaker of the

Prob. 21st January 1607-8 P.C.C. (3 Windebank.)
2 State Papers, Domestic, James I, vol. xxxi, 92, 93.

MEMOIR. OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

House of Commons in 1698. He died on 1st January 1709-10 s.p., when the
title became extinct.

Susan Poyntz, by licence from the office of the Bishop of London, dated
26th April 1617, married at the church of St. Qregorj, London, Michael Oldisworth
of St. Martin's in the Fields, son of Arnold Oldisworth of Bradley, co. Grlouc.,
Knt.,1 sometime Clerk of the Hanaper. Michael was Secretary to the Earl of
Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain. She died s.p., and her sister Audrey became
sole heir.

Katherine Poyntz, Lady Morris, died before her father and was buried in
the church of South Okenden. She left issue three sons : 1, James ; 2, Uranus
and 3, Poyntz, and two or three daughters. Sir John Poyntz married secondly
27th Feb. 1605-6, Lettice, daughter of Edward Fitzgerald, brother of Gerald,
11th Earl of Kildare and relict of Sir Ambrose Coppinger of Dawley Court,
Harrington, co. Middx., whose will she proved in 1604. 2 Sir John Poyntz died
31st Jan. 1617-18, his wife, Lady Lettice, surviving, proved his will, dated
22nd May 1617, on the 16th March following,3 and she herself died 19th
December 1621, and was buried in the choir of St. Peter's Church, S. Paul's
Wharf, London. Will, nuncupative, dated ten days previous to her death.4

Of Uranus Poyntz second son of Sir John Poyntz alias Morris we have
no knowledge except that he is mentioned in certain proceedings in Chancery
and died before 1643, supposed s.p.

Sir James Poyntz alias Morris,- son and heir of Sir John Pointz alias
Morris, who was knighted at Theobalds on 17th March 1616 as " Sir James
Poynes,"5 succeeded on the death of his father to the Poyntz estates in Essex
and presented to the Church of North Ockenden in 1619. He was twice
married : 1st, to Elizabeth Carew daughter of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton (who
assumed the name of Carew) of Beddington, Surrey ; and 2ndly, to Mary
daughter of Sir Eichard Smith of Leeds Castle, Kent, Knt. He died a year
after his second marriage, leaving by that marriage an only son named
Eichard, who was admitted a Fellow Commoner at St. John's College, Cam-
bridge, 15th March 1638-9, aged 15, and died at Montauban in France
15th August 1643, s.p. By his will dated 10th May 1643 he describes himself
as of Barmingham, Suffolk, and directs that his body shall be buried in the
vault of his ancestors in the Church of North Okenden, but he was buried
at Montauban. He gives to this church £50 to buy plate "useful about the

1 Berkeley MSS., Lives of the Berlteleys, vol. ii, 3 Prob. 7th. April 1604, P.C.C. (42 Harte.)

p. 93, and Hand, of Berkeley, vol. iii, fo. 110. * P.C.C. (106 Dale.)

2 Probate 16th Mar. 1617-18, P.C.C. (25 Meade.) 5 Cott. MSS., Claudius, c. iii.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

administration of the Sacrament to the Poor."1 He names his mother Dame
Mary Poyntz, "my loving uncle Poyntz Morris, Esq., Lady Greville wife of Sir
Fulke Greville, my much esteemed aunt," and others.2

On the death of Eichard Poyntz s.p. Poyntz Morris his uncle, named in
his will, second son of Sir John Poyntz alias Morris, succeeded to the estates and
assumed the name of Poyntz. He married a lady named Dorothy, of whose
parentage we know nothing. She appears to have been alive in 1645-1647.
Poyntz Poyntz himself died 1st December 1643, as found upon the Inquisition
taken thereupon at Romford on 12th December 1644, but by another Inquisition
taken at the Guildhall, London, on 17th October, 21st Charles I (1645) it is
found that he died seized as of fee of Beavis Marke alias Heneage House to
himself and his heirs male, in default of such issue remainder to the heirs of
James Poyntz alias Morris, deceased, formerly Attorney to the Court of Wards
and Liveries, and the jury find that John Pointz alias Morris, Gentleman, is his
cousin and nearest heir, and is aged 21 years and more, being son and heir
male of Edward (Pointz alias) Morris, deceased, second son of the aforesaid
James (Pointz alias) Morris, Attorney in the Court of Wards and Liveries,
father of John Pointz alias Morris, Kt., deceased, who was father of James
Pointz alias Morris, Esq., father of Eichard Pointz alias Morris, Esq., deceased,,
who was uncle of the aforesaid Pointz Pointz named in the Inquisition. And
the jury further say that Dorothy Pointz, widow of Pointz Pointz, survives and
lives in London.3

This Inquisition is very remarkable. The only persons who had the slightest
pretence to the designation of Poyntz as an alias to Morris were, first John
Morris, eldest son of James, the Attorne}^ to the Court of Wards and Liveries,,
derived from his marriage with Katherine daughter and heir of Sir Gabriel
Poyntz and the inheritance of the Poyntz estates in Essex, and his issue, possessors
of the same property. Even Eichard Poyntz in his last will, it will have been
noticed, describes his uncle as Poyntz Morris only, shewing that the latter did
not assume the alias Poyntz until after he came into possession of the estates.
That John Morris son of Edward had by the death of Poyntz Poyntz become
heir at law to James Morris, Attorney to the Court of Wards and Liveries, is
not denied, but neither he nor any of his issue had any pretence of claim to
the designation of Poyntz, and it could only have been foisted into the Inquisition

1 The old Poyntz flagon was, ivith the consent of the Bishop, sold in 1853 towards building the-
school, upon the plea that it was uncouth and unwieldy in size !

2 Probate, 8th November 1644, P.C.C. (2 Rivers.)

3 Inq. p.m. 21st Ch. I.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

through the influence of John Morris, the heir, to favour his ulterior nefarious
designs, as we shall see presently.

By the extinction of the issue of Sir John Poyntz, alias Morris, by Katherine
Poyntz, on the death of Pointz Pointz alias Morris, the succession to the Poyntz
estates in Essex opened to Audrey daughter of Thomas Poyntz and now sole heir
■of Sir Gabriel Poyntz and her issue by her husband Sir Adam Littleton, and
thereupon the said Adam and Audrey entered upon the premises. Their possession,
however, was disturbed by the machinations of John Morris, who with certain
•other persons, contrary to the Statute against Maintenance, confederated together
and raised large sums of money in the city of London and elsewhere to
prosecute suits of law against Sir Adam Littleton and Dame Audrey his wife
to recover the said lands, which, it was alleged, were to be shared among
them. A case was brought forward for trial at Chelmsford upon an action
of ejectment in 1647, which was supported by divers evidences, including what
purported to be an Act of Parliament, all of them fabricated and forged. Sir
Adam Littleton and Dame Audrey and John Browne, Esq., the Clerk of the
Parliament, made ' complaint to the Lords of Parliament, and " the confederates
were afterwards censured and the forged documents were damned and cancelled
b>y their order."1

This would seem to have been one of the most impudent forgeries ever
committed. A full detail may be found in the Calendar of Papers in the
House of Lords.2 The petition of Dame Audrey Littleton, late wife of Sir
Adam Littleton, deceased, Sir Fulke Greville, Knt., and Maurice Barrow, Esq.,
complains " notwithstanding it was lately decided that a pretended Act of
Parliament used to dispossess petitioners of their land was a forgery, yet Isabel
, Smith, one of the persons sentenced for the same, being permitted to go at
large, obtained access to the records of the Court of Wards, foisted in amongst
them spurious documents and then obtained attested copies thereof from Hugh
Audeley, the Clerk of the Court, and the petitioners pray for an examination
and that Isabel ' Smith may be kept close prisoner."3

Hugh Audeley answers to the petition. As Clerk of the late Court of
Wards petitioner has custody of the records of the Court, which are kept in
a room called the Treasury at Westminster. About six weeks since, when he
was out of town, the Clerk who usually waits in the office told him that a
woman wanted copies of some parchments which the book-bearer had brought

1 Chancery Proceedings, Miscellaneous, 3rd series, part vi.

2 Appendix to the 6th Report of the Com. on Hist. Manuscripts.

3 L. S., ix. 474. In extenso.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

to the office, and when petitioner came to town, seeing that the records were-
but copies of the originals, and knowing nothing of the proceedings before-
Parliament, he ordered copies to be made and signed them accordingly.
About ten days later some other persons came to the office and took exception
against petitioner for giving the copies in question, and asked him to enquire-
how the parchments were found, when it appeared that Mrs. Smith had desired
to search in the Treasury for some records, and that William Berringer the
book-bearer and John Besele}^ an ancient Clerk, had gone in and she with
them, as has been usual on occasions of searches, for the Clerk's better
instruction in finding the thing searched for ; Beseley first searched in the-
lower part of the press, where many old patents and counterparts of leases
and other loose things were placed, but not finding what Mrs. Smith wanted
he told the book-bearer to get the short ladder and go up and look in the
upper part of the press, which he did, but refused to meddle with the writings -r
upon which Mrs. Smith stepped up the ladder and threw down some loose
writings and things out of the upper part of the press, the book-bearer and
Beseley both observing what she did, and Beseley then finding the bundle of
parchment writings wished her to forbear throwing any more down, but how
long this bundle of parchments had been there petitioner cannot say. 12 Oct.

Answer of Isabel Smith. She was intrusted by Mr. Morris to act for him
in recovering his lands, and hearing that papers concerning the estate of Morris-
and Poyntz had been brought into the Court of Wards, and having obtained
a note of them, she went with one of the clerks of the Court, the book-bearer,
and another client into the Treasury Office, to search for them. Search was-
made in many places, till the clerk himself said he was weary. She entreated
him to go on searching, which he did, till he sat down and bade her search,,
for he could search no longer. He also told the book-bearer to get a ladder
and set it against the press, on which she prayed him to go up, but he being
unwieldly and fat bade her go up, which she did, and with both hands plucked
many parchments out of the press and threw them down upon the ground, and
one of the last, which was at the bottom of the press, was the bundle of
writings which concerned Morris, which the clerk perceiving by something
written on the back, willed her to come down. The clerk, the book-bearer,
and the other client were standing close by the whole time, and looking upon
her all the time she was in the room. She denies the charge of forgery or of
shuffling in forged papers, or that she had any parchments about her when she
went into the room. One of the clerks, when the documents were read, said
that he remembered when they were brought into the Court of Wards. She

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

is an innocent sufferer, and prays the House to release her from imprisonment.
Of course there were counter allegations on the other side, but we can only
refer to the Lords' Papers, from which we have quoted. The premises
continued vested in the Poyntz Littleton family.

Sir Thomas Poyntz Littleton, the second Baronet, succeeded to the estates
and married his second cousin Anne only child and heir of Edmund Lord
Littleton of Mounslow, co. Salop, and dying in 1681 left an only surviving
son Sir Thomas Poyntz Littleton, the third Baronet, who presented to the
church of North Okenden in 1697. He represented Woodstock in several par-
liaments, and was chosen Speaker of the House in 1698, and died 1st January
1709-10, without issue, when the title became extinct.1 He married Anne?
daughter of Benjamin Baron of Weston, co. Glouc, and by his will, dated 19th
September 1709, gives to her all his estate at Weston or elsewhere in Glouces-
tershire which he had by the will of her deceased father, and ratifies £500
per annum provided by marriage settlement charged on North Okenden and
North Okenden Hall, and a further annuity of £505 for 99 years and all his
goods, adding, " This I do, thinking myself obliged thereunto for the best wife
that ever man was blest with, and to testify the great love and value I have
for her, which she more than deserves by her excellent carriage and behaviour,"
and makes her executrix, and after her decease, " my near kinsman,2 Capt.
James Littleton, Commander of H.M. ship ' The Somerset,' and his son Thomas
Littleton, my godson, to be executors." All his manors, lands, &c. in London
and Essex he demises to his wife and his friend Archibald Hutchinson of the
Middle Temple, Esq., in trust to pay all bequests, &c, then to be conveyed
to his aforesaid kinsman, Capt. James Littleton, for life, then to Thomas, son of
the said James, for life, then to other sons, in default to the heirs of testator's
grandfather Sir Adam Poyntz, on condition that every person possessing the
freehold shall write the name of Poyntz between his christian and surname,
as testator's grandfather, father and self had always done since the marriage
of his grandmother Dame Audrey Poyntz, granddaughter and heir of Sir
Gabriel Poyntz, Knt. Codicil dated 23rd September 1709. Proved by Dame
Ann Littleton, relict, 21st January 1709-10, and again 4th November 1714 by
James Littleton.3

1 Courthope's " Synopsis of the Extinct Baronetage of England," edition 1835. Burke's " Extinct
and Dormant Baronetcies of England, &c," edition 1845.

2 Morant says he was the great nephew of the second Baronet (" Hist, of Essex," vol. i, p. 103),
hut this could hardly he, for, if legitimate, he would have heen entitled to the baronetcy.

3 P.C.C. (24 Smith).

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

The devisees, however, were not suffered to enjoy the lands in peace. A
suit in Chancery was instituted on 14th June 1710 by a certain Elizabeth
Meynell of Bradley in Derbyshire (widow of Godfrey Meynell of Bradley, co.
Derby, who was Sheriff for that county in 1681) the sole daughter and heir of
Edward Littleton, Esq., deceased, who was brother of Sir Thomas Poyntz, alias
Littleton, Bart., deceased, father of the said devisor, and that, therefore, she is
Tieir at law to the said devisor and doth claim all the manors, lands, &c,
alleging moreover that Sir Thomas Poyntz, alias Littleton, did not make his
last will, or that he was non compos mentis when it was made. What the
decree in this case was we know not, but Littleton Poyntz Meynell, who was
«on of the said Elizabeth Meynell (who afterwards assumed the name of Poyntz),
and administered to her effects in 1726, eventually became owner of North
Okenden.1

Dame Ann Poyntz, alias Littleton, above mentioned made her will on 13th
February, 1713, and directed that her body should be buried near that of her
husband, in the Church of North Okenden. To Capt. James Poyntz, alias
Littleton, she bequeathed all her household goods, pictures, &c. in her house
•of North Okenden, and all other pictures of any person of the name of Poyntz
alias Littleton in her house in London or elsewhere, except such as are here
afterwards bequeathed, and gave to him 42 silver plates. To Francis Haws, Esq.,
all her books and presses, and 100 guineas for a ring. To Archibald Hutchinson,
of the Middle Temple, Esq., " mine and my late husbands Pictures in oval
frames," drawn by Mr. Murry, and legacies to her kinswomen Elizabeth and
Mary Prettyman, Ann and Elizabeth Eyres, each £50. Many other legacies
-and gifts to charitable and pious uses. Capt. James Poyntz alias Littleton and
his son Thomas to allot a piece of ground for the erection of a school. Codicil
dated 9th July, 1714. Gives all the pictures in her house in London to her
•sister Mary Baron for life, after her death to Capt. James Poyntz alias
Littleton.2

1 Portrait of John Poyntz of North. Ockenden, who married Anne Sibelles, is now (1884) in the
possession of Adam Blandy, of 42, Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, Esq., as well as several other Poyntz
Portraits, which have not been identified. They came to him through his grandfather, the son of
JN~ewdigate Poyntz of Tormarton.

2 Prob. to Mary Baron, 11th Aug., 1714. P.C.C. (163 Aston).

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ. 47

PEDIGEEE OF POYNTZ OP NOETH OCKENDEN, ESSEX.

Table II.

The portions of this pedigree printed in italics are from the Herald's Visitation of Essex in 1612.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz, Knt.,:
Lord and Baron of Cory
Afalet, obiit 5 Edward II.,
1311. Died seized of the
Manor of Hoo in co. Kent.

-Elizabeth, dau. to
Edmond [Eudo]
la Zouch, first
wyfe.

Sir Iluuh Poyntz,
Knt., Lord and
Baron of Cory Ma-
let, obiit 2 Edw.
Ill, 1336. Lord
or joint Lord of
Hoo, co. Kent, of
which, by licence
dated 21 July, 7
Ed. Ill, he alien-
ated a moiety to
Nicholas Poyntz
and Aliauora his
wife.

Nicholas Poyntz o/=j=Alianora.
Hoo in Com. Rente,
2d Sonne, A0 d'ni
1311, n Edxv. II.
received from his
brother, Sir Hagh
Poyntz, a moiety
of the Manor of
Hoo. Inq. ad quod
damnum, 21 July
7 Edw. III. Esch.
7 Edw. III. (2nos.)
No. 48.

Nicholas Poyntz of North=f
Okenden in Com. Essex, Esq., \
sonne and heir, lived Jfi Edw.
Ill, ob. 1372.

dau. to

Arms of Poyntz of Essex.

1. Poyntz. Barry of 8 Or and Gu.

2. Babdolph. Az. three cinquefoils Or.

3. Malet. Az. three escallops Or.

4. Basset. Or three bars wavy Gu.

5. Cantilupe. Gu. three leopards' heads inverted jessant de
lis, Or.

6. Zouche. Gu. ten bezants and a canton Erm.

7. Baldwin. Az. a chev. Gu. betw. three ogresses.

8. Septfontain. Per pale Or and Az. fourteen guttes d'eau.

9. Ar. a fess dancette betw. twelve billets Sa. sevt'n

in chief, five in base.

10. Deincouet. Ar. upon a bend Gu. three mascles of the first.

11. Perth. Ar. a chev. Erm. betw. three lozenges Ermines.

12. Calva. Bendy of six, Az. and Ar. on a chief Gu. three

increscents of the second.

Ponties Poyntz of
North Okenden in
Com. Essex, Esq.,
sonne and heire 16
Rich. II. Presen-
ted to the Church
of North Okenden
in 1393.

-Ellenor, dau. to
... She lived 16
Rich. II, A"
1392. [Dau. of

Baldwin of

North Okenden,
Essex.]

Edwardc-
Poyntz,
Esq., 2
sonne.

■...dau.
to...

Maude, mar. to Thomas Robard

Barrett of Belhoiose, Es- Poyntz,

quire. In the Barrett sonne and

ped. she is stated to have heire.
been the daughter of Ed-
ward Poyntz.

MEMOIK OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Sir John Poyntz, Knt, living in=^Maude, dau. to [Eleanor,
1351, of NorthOckenden in Essex, rlau. to Sir John Daucote,
sonne and heire. Died 1447. Knt. (? Deincourt of Up-
Will dated 12 March 1446-7. minster, co. Essex.)]

I :

John Poyntz of North Okenden, s<»i=pMatilda, dau.

•and heir. Named in his father's
will. His will dated 15 April 1469.
Describes himself as J ohn Poyntes of
North Wokendon. Esquier. To be
buried at North Okenden. Presented
to the Church there 1448 and 1463.

and cc/h. of
William Perth
of Aveley, co.
Essex.

Reginald,
named in
father's
will.

Thomas,
named in
father's
will.

Matilda, wife
of John Barret
of Aveley,Esq.
Named in fa-
ther's will.

Margaret, wife
of JohnBynes,
[? JohnBures]

named in
Mon* in North
Ockenden Ch,

Agnes, named
in father's
will.

Thomas Poyntz,
2 son named in
father's will.

Thomazine,nam-
ed in her father's
will.

William Poyntz of North-
Okenden in Com. Essex, Esq.,
sonne and heire. Jointly
with Edm. Shaa presented
to North Okenden Church
1480, and solely in 1487.
Died 1504. M.I.

Ann, da. and coh. of Isaac=
Sibelles (she was a widow)
■of co. Bucks, Had issue by
first husband. Presented to
North Ockenden Church
26 Ap. 1554. Will dated
16,Prob. 18 May 1554.

:John Poyntz, son and heir, of
North Okenden, Sewer of the
Chamber to Q. Katharine of
Arragon 1520. Died 13 June
1547, s.p. Will dated 30 of pre-
ceding month, Prob. 30 June
following (39 Alen). Bur. at
North Okenden, s.p. M.I.

-Elizabeth, syster to Sr. Edmund
Shawe of London, Shrive 15
Edit). IV., 1474, and Maior
23 of ye saide K's Raynge A0
14S3. She was dau. of SirEdm.
Shaa and sister of Sir John Shaa,
Lord Mayor of London 1502. In
his will he names his brother
Poyntz. She died 21 August 1503.

1 — n .

Catherine, named in
father's will.

Anne, named in father's
will. —
Beatrice, not named in
father's will. Mar. John
Cheek of Debenham.
Mon*.

Henry.

I ,—

... dau., mar.

Sponer,

mentioned in
bro. John's
will.

Margaret,

mar

Barleymay,
named in
bro. John's
will.

Thomas Poyntz of North Oclenden,=f=Ann, dau. <b

sonne <h heire [heir of his brother]
named in bro. John's will. Died 5 Ma y
1562 at St. Dunstan's in the West,
Lond., intestate. Admo. to sen
Gabriel.

/(<;£)• to [John]
Calva, a Ger-
man.

Edmund=
Poyntz.

=Frideswide,
dau. of •••

Frideswide, named in
uncle John's will.

Ferdinando Poyntz=j=Elizabeth,

of London, 2 sonne,
named in uncle John's
■will. Admo. to relict
Elizabeth 12 May
1586 and on 17 July
on goods she had not
administered to, to
Sir Samuel Salting-
etall, nephew from
sister.

da. of Sam-
uel Johnson
of co. Flint.
Admo. to
husband's
effects.

Sir Gabrell Poyntz of North
Ockenden in com. Essex,
sonne and heire, named in
uncle John's will and in
Aunt Ann's, knighted at
Whitehall 30 May 1604.
Died 8 Feb. 1607-8. M.I.
Will dated 23 July 1606,
Prob. 21 Jan. 1607-8 (3
Windebank).

Sarah, 1 wife of Clement Harbie of
London. Bur. at Hillingdon, Middx.,
1606. M.I.

-Audrey, daugh.
to Peter Cutis
and ividoio to
Rauffe Latham.
Died 2 Deer.
1594. M.I.

1 i

Robard, 3d Susanna, mar. to Sir
sonne,na,m- Richard Saltingstall of
ed in un- London, Knight, Lord
cle John's Mayor of London 1598.
will, and on He died 1 7 March 160],
father's aged 84. Will dated
monument. 1579, Prob. 9 May 1601.

She died 1613. Will da-
ted 16 Nov. 1612. Prcb.
23 Feb. 1712-3, bur. at
South Okenden. M.I.

James Morris of Chipping=f Elizabeth, da. of
Ongar, co. Essex, Attorney j George Medley.

of the Court of Wards and
Liveries, temp. Eliz.

Died
1603.

20 Sept.

MEMOIE OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Thomas Poyntz,-'
son and heir, of
Gray's Inn. Died
17Dee.l597,s.p.,
intestate. Admo.
to relict 4 July
1598.

=Jane, dau. of Sir
WilliamPeryam,
Chief Baron of
the Exchequer,
born 1573, mar.
at Chelsea 3 Mar.
1595-6, married
2ndly Thomas
Doewra, Esq.
She died 15 Mar.
1645-6.

Katherine, daugh.-
& sole heire, mar.
to John Morris of
Chipping Ongar in
Essex, Esq. Died
v.p.

:Sir John Morris, son and heir, aged
1 year and 6 months 3 April 1570.
Knighted 22 May 1603. Assumed the
name of Poyntz alias Morris on suc-
ceeding to the estates of North Ocken-
den He mar. 2ndly Lettice dau. of
Edward Fitzgerald, brother of Gerald
11th Earl of Kildare and relict of
Ambrose Coppinger of Dawley Court.
Harlington. She died 1621 and was
buried in St. Peter's Church, Paul's
Wharf, London, 19 Dec. He died 31
Jan. 1617-8. Will dated 22 May
1617, Prob. 16 Mar. 1617-8.

i , , , ,

Henry
Morris.

— I

Edward=j=.
Morris. |

I
I

John Morris,thefraudu-
lent claimant of the N.
Okenden estates, for
which purpose he as-
sumed the name of
Poyntz.

Susan Poyntz, 2
dau. and coh., na-
med in grandfa-
ther's will, mar.
Michael Oldis-
worth son of Ar-
nold Oldsworth
of co. Glouces-
ter, Clerk of the
Hanaper, mar.
lie. dated 26 Ap.
1617. Died v.p.,
buried at ...

Andrey Poyntz,;
eldest dau. and
coheir. Died ...
1648, named in
grandfather's
will and in her
son William's.
Will dated 10
March 1647-8,
Prob. 27 Oct.
1648 (142 Es-
sex).

:Sir Adam Lit-
tleton of Stoke
Milburgh, co.
Salop, after-
wards Sir
Adam Poyntz
Littleton, cre-
ated a Baronet
14 Oct. 1642.
Died cir.1647.

SirJamesPoyr.tz=pMary, da. of Sir
alias Morris of Rich. Smith of
North Okenden, Leeds Castle,
mar. 1st Eliza- Kent, Knt. She
beth Carew, da. mar. 2ndly Mau-
of Sir Nicholas rice Barrow of
Throckmorton Barmingham,
alias Carew of Suflolk. Died 19
Beddingtoii,Sur- Nov. 1H66, aged
rey. 65 and there

buried. M.I.

Eichard Poyntz, alias Morris, admitted a Fellow
Commoner of St. John's Coll., Camb., 15 March
1638-9, aged 15. Died Montauban in France,
15 Aug. 1643, and was there buried. Will
dat. 10 May 1643, Prob. 8 Nov. 1644 (2
Rivers).

Elizabeth, na-
med in will of
Sir G. Poyntz.

Ann, named in
will of Sir G.
Poyntz.

Uranus, na-
med inChanc.
Proceedings.
Died before
1643.

Poyntz Poyntz
aliasMorris.Lord
of Chipping On-
gar.

Dorothy. Died 4
Dec. 1643. s.p.

James Littleton,
merchant, na-
med in brother's
will. Died s.p.

Poyntz Littleton.
Died 1649. Admo.
to Brother Ed-
ward 20 Ap. 1649,
s.p.

Elizabeth,
named in
mother's
will.

3. Mary Littleton, named in
mother's will, bap. 6 Aug.
1629, mar. 1613 Tho. Walcot,
who was Knted. at Whitehall,
21 Nov. 1681.

Jane

Hester

named in
mother's
will.

Sir Thomas Poyntz=f=Anne, only child and Edward Lit-=pDorothy.

alias Littleton, 2nd
Bart. Died 12 Ap.
1681, art. 57. Bur.
at North Okenden.
Will dat. 2 Dec.
1665, cod. 11 Ap.
1681,Prob.l8June
following P.C.C.
(97 North).

heir of Edmund Lord
Littleton of Mouns-
low, co. Salop, some-
time Lord Keeper of
the Great Seal, his
second cousin, died
27 Nov. 1705, aged
82. Bur. at North
Okenden. Executrix
to husband's will.

tleton of West-
minster. Died
1702. Will
prov. 15 Ap-
ril 1702 '
Horne).

(63

dau. of
... Booth
of Ponte-
fract.

William Little-=f
ton of Lincoln's
Inn. Lied 1658
Will dat. 30 Ap-
ril. Prob. 23 June
1658 (662 Wot-
ton).

Dorothy, dau.
of Rich. Bul-
keley of Chea-
dle, co. Ches-
ter, mar. 2ndly
HenryAyloffe,
3 sone of Sir
Benj. Ayloffe,
Bart.

Anne Littleton,
mar. Tho. Powys,
Serjeant at Law,
of Henly Hall,
Bitterly.

Sir Thomas Poyntz alias=Ann Baron, dau. of Benja-
Littleton, 3 Bart, born April
1647. Speaker of the House
of Commons, 6 Dec. 1698.
Died 1709. Will dat. 19.
Cod. 23 Sep. 1709. Prob.
21 Jan. 1709-10, s.p. Bur.
at North Okenden, M.I.

mm Baron of Weston, co.
Glouc, born 21 Aug. 1663.
Executrix to husband's will.
Died 21 Jul v 1714. Bur. at
North Okenden. Will dated
13 Feb. 1713. Prob. 11 Aug.
1714 (J3 Aston).

Godfrey-pKlizabeth, only
Meynell j child and heir.

Littleton Poyntz Meynell,
who held the manor of
North Okenden in 1768.
(Morant's Hist, of Essex.)

Dorothy.

Had issue Sir Littleton
Powys, born 1647. Ba-
ron of the Exchequer
1695 and Justice of the-
King's Bench, 26 Jan.
] 702, resigned 1726, and
Sir Thomas Towys, At-
torney General. Kntd.
23 Ap. 1686. Justice
of the King's Bench 8
June 1713, removed
1714. Died 4 April,
1719. Ancestor of Lord
Lilford.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

John Littleton of Longueville,=pSusan Medlicott, widow of

co. Surrey.

White, Attorney, at Law.

James Littleton of

North Okeuden,

Admiral in the Navy, to whom the N. Okenden
Estates were devised by Sir Thomas Poyntz alias
Littleton. Was M.P. for Woodstock, Chichester,
and Portsmouth. Died 5 Feb. 1722-3. Bur. at
North Okenden. Will dated 3 March 1716-7. Cod.
5 Feb., and Prob. 19 Feb. 1722-3. (32 Richmond.)

a Vice=f=Jane, only

dau. of
Richard
Bunce,
M.D.

Thomas Littleton of
North Okenden. Died
unmarried. Admo.to
sister, Lady Susan
Rider, 21 Feb. 1724-5.

Susan Littleton, na-
med in father's will.
Admo. to her bro-
ther's effects, 21 Feb.
1724-5.

:Sir Barnham Rider
of Boughton Mon-
chensey, co. Kent.
Knted. 20 Oct. 1714.
Died 20 Nov. 1728.

Jane Littleton, mar.
at the Fleet, 24 June
1772, William Kings-
ley of Maidston, Esq.

Sir Thomas Rider of Boughton
Minchelsey, Kent. Kntd. 13 or
21 Mar. 1743-4. Died 16 Dec.
1785.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

CHAPTEE in.

Poyntz or Iron Acton.

We have seen, ante p. 19, that Nicholas Poyntz, the second Baron, married
to his second wife Matilda the heir of Sir John Acton of Iron Acton.

An Inquisition was taken at Irene Acton 18th November 1312, after the
death of John de Acton, when it was found that he held on the day on which
he died the manor of Irene Acton of Eoger de la Warre in capite by the service
of one knight's fee. As this manor for several centuries formed the chief residence
of the Poyntz family, it will be of interest to give the extent of it at this date.
The jurors say that there are there one capital messuage with garden and two
dovecotes, whose value per annum is 6s. 8d. ; six score acres of arable land of
the value per annum 30s., price per acre 3d ; forty acres of meadow for mowing,
which is of the value per annum 60s., price per acre 18d. ; twelve acres of
pasture, whose value per annum is 6s., price per acre 6d. They say there is
a certain park of which there is no profit because there is no underwood or
herbage beyond the sustentation of the game. They say also there are two
water mills, whose value per annum is 20s. ; that there are six free tenants
who hold divers tenements and pay per annum rent of assize 25s., and ten
natives who each hold one messuage and half a virgate of land and pay per
annum 3s. rent of assize, and work (Kegula Augusti) from 1st August until
the feast of St. Michael every week by four days manual work of one man,
and the value of each Id., and the value of the ten men per annum 26s. 8d.,
sum total of rent and work 56s. 8d. : six natives who each hold one messuage
and the sixth part of one virgate of land, and render per annum 3d. for all
services, sum. 18s. ; three natives who each hold one messuage and the third
part of one virgate of land and render per annum 4s. for all services, sum. 12s. ;
eight cottars who each hold one cottage and one courtlage and render per
annum 12d., sum. 8s. ; and they say that the pleas and perquisites of the courts
there are of the value per annum of half a mark. Sum of the whole manor
aforesaid £12 19s. Od. The jurors say that the said John held also at Frampton
Cotel one mill and four score acres of land of Alan Plokenet in capite at the

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

rent of 9d., the total value of which per annum was 35s. And they say further
that John son of the said John de Actone is his nearest heir and is ao-ed 24
years.'

It is believed that this last named John died s.p. cir. 20th Edw. Ill, and
that Matilda, who married Sir Nicholas Poyntz, was his niece and heir, conjointly
with whom she held the manor of Lollynggeston in co. Kent, acquired of
Eeymond Heryng by fine in the court of the King to hold to him and the
heirs of his body of the Archbishop of Canterbury.2 The heir of this marriage
was Sir John Poyntz of Iron Acton, who was Sheriff of Gloucestershire in
1363 and married Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of Philip de Clanvowe, cousin
and heir of Sir Thomas Clanvowe, and heir also through his mother of the
ancient Bailiff in fee of the land of Glandestre appurtenant to the manor of
Eadnore. It appears from an Inquisition taken at Weobley on Thursday next
before the feast of St. Barnabas 1339, that in respect to this office the Bailiffs
received every year as their inheritance of the Lords of Eadnore seven ells of
cloth, each ell worth five marks. And the jurors say that the said Philip
Clanvowe had received the said seven ells in the time of Margaret de Mortuo
Mari of the said Margaret, also that Philip ap Howell, uncle of the said Philip
whose heir he is, received the said seven ells in the time of Edmund de Mortuo
Mari of the aforesaid Edmund and of Matilda de Mortuo Mari, his mother,
in the time of the said Matilda. And they say that Howell ap Meurik, father
of the said Philip ap Howell and grandfather of the said Philip de Clanvowe,
whose heir he is, received the said seven ells in the time of the aforesaid Matilda.
And they say that Meuric, father of the said Howell received the said seven
ells in the time of William de Breosa of the said William, so that the said
Philip de Clanvowe and his ancestors had received the seven ells of the manor
of Eadnore by reason of the said BailifFry as of their inheritance from a time
beyond memory.3

In 1343 John de Acton, dir., obtained a licence to grant the manors of
Iron Acton, Elkston and Wynston to Sir John Poyns, Chr., and Elizabeth his
wife to hold to them and the heirs of the body of the said John Poyns by the
services due and accustomed, in default of such issue remainder after the death
of the said Elizabeth to the said John de Acton and his heirs, to be held of the
King in capite by the service of half a knight's fee and is worth 20 marks
yearly, and the jurors say that the said John de Acton has also the manor of
Acton, which is worth yearly £20, and it is held of Hugh Daudele, Earl of

1 Inq. p.m. 6tli Edw. II, No. 55. 2 Inq. p.m. 5th Edward II, No. 62.

3 Esch. 13th Edw. Ill (2nd Nos.), No. 69.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

Gloucester, by the service of half a knight's fee.1 Between 26th July and the
1st September 1369 a certain Hugh de Pencoyt was instituted to the church of
Iron Acton upon the presentation of this Sir John Poyns.2

It appears from an Inquisition taken at Gloucester on Saturday after the
feast of the Ascension, 1st Eichard II (1378), that John Poyntz, Chr., deceased,
died on the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle, 50th Edw. II (1376), and not
on the feast of St. Matthew, 49th of the same king, as would seem to have
been previously stated, and they the jurors say inter alia that certain rents
of assize amounting to £24 8s. 8d. &c arose out of the manor of Iron Acton,
which manor the said John held in fee as of his demesne on the day on which
he died of Hugh Earl of Stafford by military service, and they say that Eobert,
son of the said John Poyntz, is his nearest heir and was aged 18 years on the
feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle last past (11th June 1377).3 This John Poyntz
would appear to have died more or less involved, for a further inquisition was
made concerning his personal estate at Newporte near Berkeley on the feast
of St. Katherine the Virgin 1382. The jurors say there is a certain wood in
the manor of Iron Acton which is called Le Parke, in which is great timber
which was formerly valued at half a mark per annum besides the enclosure
thereof, and to this inquisition is attached an extent and value of all the goods
and chattels, lands and tenements of John Poyntz, Knt., which he had in the
county of Gloucester on the 8th June, 49th Edw. Ill, taken before William
Walworth, Mayor of the stapul at Westminster for the recognizance of debts
in the same stapul, in which he acknowledged that he owed John Petche, Citizen
and Alderman of London, now deceased, £40, which he was to pay on the feast
of All Saints following and which he has not paid, as is said in the suit made at
Newent 21st October, 6th Eichard II. The jurors say that John Poyntz, Knt.,
had the aforesaid 8th June the manor of Iron Acton, which is of the value per
annum in rents of assize £30, and that in the said manor there are 480 acres
of arable land worth per annum £8, price per acre 4d. ; 100 acres of meadow,
value per annum £10, price per acre 2s. ; 40 acres of pasture, value per annum
40s., price per acre 12d. ; and they say there are no woods pertaining to the
same manor except the wood called le Parke, in which is great timber which
there are no means to sell except as waste (fire wood) and they say that no
more pertains to the said manor, and that John Po3rntz is dead and had no
other goods or chattels, lands or tenements except the manor aforesaid, which
•cannot be priced or appraised at present but enquiry may be made.4

1 Esch. 17th Edw. Ill (2 Nos.), No. 60 2 Wore, Bishop Lynne's Register fo. 1.

3 Inq. p.m. 1 Rich. II, No. 29. 4 Escheats, 6th Rich. II, No. 111.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

The wardship of Bobert son and heir of John Poyntz was in 13761 granted to
John Cousin. By an Inquisition as to the age of Eobert son and heir of Sir John
Poyntz, taken at Eoss, co. Hereford, on 8th March 1380-1 the jurors found that the
said Eobert was born at Denchurch in Irchenfeld in the said county, and was
baptized in the church of the same ville on Saturday in the vigil of the Trinity
33rd Edward IIP (1359), he consequently attained full age on 23rd May 1380, and
thereupon did homage and obtained livery of seizin of his lands. In the same year
he had licence to grant the manor of Elkstone and certain lands in Winston to the
said John Cousin and Joan his wife to fatm. He was sheriff of Gloucestershire in
1397 and was probably the builder of the ancient stone cross in the church-
yard at Iron Acton, supposed to be a preaching cross, having an entrance into
it on the south side (see Plate II). On the 9th September 1400 he presented
John Prentes to the church of Iron Acton,3 and on 13th May, 1420 Eobert Banak
to the same church.4 He was twice married. His first wife was called Ann, but
of what family she was we have no knowledge. He married secondly Katherine,
daughter and co-heir of Sir Thomas Fitz-Nichol of Hull and Nympsfield, who was the
8th in descent from Eobert 1st Lord Berkeley, who granted to his son Nicholas for
his portion the manors of Hull or Hill, and Nympsfield, which grant was afterwards
confirmed by King Henry II. In 12th Henry IV Sir Thomas Fitz-Mchol5 entailed
his manor of Hull al's Hill, where he mostly lived (seldom at Nympsfield) to himself
and Agnes his wife and to the heirs male of his body, remainder to Eobert Poyntz
and Katherine his wife, daughter of the said Thomas, for their lives, remainder to
Nicholas Poyntz, son of the said Eobert and Katherine, and the heirs males of his
body, remainder to Thomas Poyntz his brother and the heirs males of his body,
remainder to Maurice Poyntz his other brother and to the heirs males of his body,
remainder to Blanch, Isabell, and Joan, sisters of the said Maurice and to the
several heirs males of their bodies, remainder to the right heirs of the said Sir
Thomas Fitz-Nicholl for ever/' This Sir Thomas Fitz-Nicholl six years afterwards
died in 1418 without issue male, leaving the said Katherine wife of Eobert Poyntz,
and Eleanor wife of John Browninge, his two daughters his heirs,7 between whom

' Eot. Fin., 50th Edw. III.

2 Esch., 4th Eich. II, No. 132.

3 Wore. Bp. Tideman de Wincheccmb's Reg., fo. 52.

4 Wore. Bp. Philip de Morgan's Reg., fo. 11.

3 Berkeley MSS., Lives of the Berkeley*, vol. i, p. 45.
« Inq. p.m. 5th Hen. V, No. 44.

7 It appears from the Inq. p.m. of Thomas Eitz Nicholl taken at Gloucester on Saturday next after
the feast of the Conception B.V.M., 6th Hen. VI, that the Charter referred to in the text was dated
21st April, 13th Hen. IX, and that at the time of taking the Inquisition Katherine wife of Robert Poyntz
was aged 40 years, and her sister Alianor, wife of John Browning, was aged 20 years.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

he left his other manor of Nympsfield with the chantry of Kinly within the same,
in coparcenary.1 Eobert Poyntz died in 1439 and was buried at Iron Acton.2

1 Berkeley MSS. Smyth's Lives of the Berkeleys, vol. i, p. 48.

2 The handsome cross was figured, by Lysons in his Gloucester si lire Antiquities (Plata II. fig. 2),
from which the etching of our illustration was made. It is likewise figured by Pooley in his Old
Crosses of Gloucestershire, in which it is also described. This curious and beautiful monument
stands on a base of three octagonal steps. The structure itself is square in plan, and for purposes
of description may be divided into two stages.

The lower stage is formed by four clustered shafts upon octagonal bases, supported by light
buttresses of two stages at the angles and an octagonal shaft in the centre, the base and capital of
which still remain. From this sprung elaborate fan-tracery enriched witli sculptured bosses, some of
which represent oak leaves and acorns. The four side openings have plain elliptical arches sur-
mounted by ogee crocketted pediments, the spandril spaces between which and the crowns of the arches
are also filled with oak leaf and acorn decorations. The ftnials with which the pediments terminated
are now all knocked off except one. Three of these arched openings are divided by transoms, the
lower compartments being subdivided into pairs by mullions, each being finished with ogee cinquefoil
arches. The southern is left open. The four angle buttresses originally terminated with pinnacles
which have been destroyed.

The upper stage is formed by a square base, resting on the crown of the vault below, on
each face of which are two shields, each being held by an angel whose long wings droop down
on each side. This base supports a foursided shaft with shallow cinquefoiled panels, or niches,
each crowned by a beautiful three-arched tref oiled canopy having projecting brackets at the bottom
which originally supported a figure, all now lost. Above this was the shaft which bore the cross.
The original height of the entire monument Avas probably about 30 feet. Four of the shields
abovementioned are charged with the emblems of the Passion of Our Lord, two are blank, and the
other two are armorial, viz. : one on the south side bearing the arms of Acton : Quarterly, per fess
dancette Ar. and Az. ; and the other, on the north side, Acton impaling Fitz I^ichol : Quarterly
Gu. and Or, a bend Az. This last shield shews that the builder of the cross was Eobert Poyntz
who married the coheir of Fitz Mchol, and died in 1439. It is remarkable that his own paternal
arms nowhere occur. He set himself entirely aside while doing honour to his grandmother, Maude
de Acton, from whom he derived the estate, for not only does he use the arms of Acton as his
own, but the whole of the ornamentation of the monument consists of oak leaves and acorns
in allusion to the Acton family.

The monument is greatly mutilated, but some portions have been carefully and judiciously
restored by the Eector, the Eev. H. L. Thompson.

In Iron Acton Church, on the north side of the chancel, are two sculptured effigies representing
a gentleman and his wife, traditionally supposed to be members of the Poyntz family. The stone
being soft sandstone the figures are very much defaced, so that it is difficult to affix the date
even approximately from the armour of the man or dress of the woman. These effigies were
formerly in the south Chapel adjoining, which was the burial place of the Poyntzes. Near these
effigies are two incised grave-stones, also of sandstone, representing a man and a woman. The
costume is of the early part of the fifteenth century. The man wears a camail of mail, but in
other respects his armour is entirely of plate. There is no appearance of an haubergeon of mail or
even of a fringe of rings. To the breast plate are attached five traces, to which a small baguette

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

His Writ diem clausit extremum was issued on 24th June in that

is appended, roundels protect the armpits and fan-shaped elbow-plates the arms. His feet rest upon
a greyhound. He wears a bascinet upon his head and has a forced beard, but he has no spurs-
or any offensive weapon. Around the margin of the stone is the following legend :

" Ipm tgth globn-b fJojmt?, |porb of Iromtrton, aitii this ©tepgl here makeii toho
Ibtyhe the ftiftene into of June the near of oure |£orb mccccxx[xix] of tohos sortie
(S§oh haue merru Jtmtn."
The other stone is precisely similar in character. The lady wears a gown somewhat low at
the neck and laced up the front, and a reticulated head dress. Around the margin is the following
legend :

►J< |f)ere Igth Jtnne the ftrste ioyfe of globerb tyogntz of tohos sotote : (Sob habe merrg : Jlmen.
We have taken this descripton from Lysons' " Gloucestershire Antiquities " in which the incised
slabs are figured. He considered the effigies and inscriptions to represent the same persons, but
that would appear to be doubtful.

Lysons says that on the other side of the tomb of Robert Poyntz is that of his second wife,
Katherine daughter and coheir of Thomas Fitz Nichols. It is now almost effaced. Another
inscription having been two centuries afterwards cut on the same stone as a memorial of Elizabeth
(Walsh), wife of Robert Poyntz, who died in 1631. Part of the figure still remains, with the

words round the margin mne the SCCOltbc totrfc of Robert pojmts.

Against the south wall of the south chapel is an altar tomb with a canopy of beautifully
executed tracery, but no inscription. On it are three shields with supporters. Two of them are
blank, and the third only contains some indications of the arms of Acton. On grave stones in
the floor near are the following inscriptions.

Below the arms of Poyntz differenced with a mullet — ■

hlc jacjit corpvs 'hvgonis poyntz, armigeri,
vnivs filior' Kicholai Poyntz, eqvitis avrati,
qvi in ipso juventvtis flore ab omnibvs
vnice desideratvs diem clavsit extremvm

YXDECIMO DIE MaHTTI, ANNO DOMINI JVXTA

vsjTatem Ecclesle Anglicana COMPVTATIONEM
1604. ^Etatis 8UiE 26

CVIVS ANIMA IX iETERNA PACE REQVIE3CAT. ,

Hie jacet corpvs Florentine]
vxoris Edwardi Poyntz Ar
migeri qyje obiit decimo

QVIXTO DIE MENSIS MaRT.

Anno Domini ivxta compv

tatioxem Anglican am
millessimo qvingentesimo
noxagesimo octavo

CviVS ANIMA IN PACE
STERNA REQVIESOAT.

The Rev. H. L. Thompson, Rector of Iron Acton, wrote of this latter monument in 1879. — "About

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

year,1 and in the same year John Selwyn chaplain was admitted to the church
of that parish upon the presentation of Katherine, relict of the said Kobert.2 He
left issue as stated above. Of Nicholas, his son and heir, we shall speak presently.
Maurice, the second son was a matricide. 1465 Mauritius Poyntz ccesce 'matris
crimine reus fuit in quam Ricardus comes Ripariis Constabularius Anglice cajritatem
sententiam tulit. Thomas was of Frampton Cotterel, he married and had issue.
For further particulars of the children of Sir Eobert Poyntz we must refer to
the tabular pedigree, post.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz, son and heir of Sir Eobert, succeeded his father in his
estates. We do not know of any special circumstances in his career which
require notice. He appears to have lived a quiet life in troublous times. In
1431 he was knight for the shire of Gloucester. He was twice married. His
first wife was Elizabeth daughter of Sir Edward Mill of Harescombe, by whom
he had issue John his son and heir, who was aged 16 on his father's death. His
son Humphry must also have been born of this marriage, or he would have been
named in the settlement of 1450, presently to be abstracted, in which Sir Nicholas
Poyntz made provision for his children by his second marriage. We have just
seen ante p. 54 that Eobert Poyntz, grandfather of Humphry, immediately upon
obtaining seizin of his lands in 1380 obtained a licence to grant to John Cousin,
to whom he had been in ward, and Joan his wife, the manor of Elkeston, etc.
to farm. It is presumed that the term of years for which this grant was made
had long since expired, and that the lands had again reverted to the said Eobert
Poyntz or Nicholas his son father of Humphry, who had enfeoffed a certain
John Orchard and William Coffyn, probably in trust, for it appears in the
Inquisition taken at Winchcombe on 29th October 1487, upon the death of
Humphry Poyntz, that the said John Orchard and William Coffyn being seized

150 years ago it had . been made to serve as a grave-stone for a Mrs. Kichmond, mother-in-law of
the Eev. Thomas Shute, then Eector of the parish. She died in the 101st year of her age, and her
son-in-law, anxious to shew respect for his venerable relative without incurring undue expense,
appropriated the Poyntz slab, turned clown the ancient inscription with its face to the soil, and placed
an inscription to his mother-in-law on the reverse side. The deed was discovered a few months
ago, during the restoration of the church; and I regret to say that more than one slab had been
treated in the same way by our predecessors of the 18th century." — (Trans. Bristol and Gloucestershire
Archaeol. Soc, vol. iv, p. 83.)

This Edward Poyntz was second son of Sir Nicholas Poyntz of Iron Acton, (ob. 1586) eldest
child by his second wife, Margaret Stanley, dau. of Edward, 3rd Earl of Derby. His wife Florence
was the daughter of John Jones of Tre-Owen, co. Monmouth.

1 Rot. Fin. 17th Hen. VI, m. 24.
a Wore, Bp. Bonrchier's Reg., fo. 65.
I

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

•of the said manor of Elkeston in their own right as of fee by deed dated
4th May, 13th Edward IV. (1473), had demised the said manor to Humphry
Poyntz and his heirs male, in default remainder to [the heirs of] Nicholas
Poyntz, father of the said Humphry. In virtue of which the jurors say the
said Humphry was seized, and died seized on the 10th October, 3rd Henry VII.
(1487) and the jurors say Nicholas Poyntz is his son and nearest heir and is
aged 21 years and more.

On 20th October 1466 Humphry Poyntz and others gave 13s. 4d. to have a
writ of convention.1 This was probably to enable him to levy the fine by which
he granted to Maurice Denys and Alice his wife, and Walter Denys, son and heir
apparent of the said Maurice, the manor of Alweston and Erthcote and Hundred
of Langley and Alweston.2 Humphry Poyntz married ... Pollard.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz married secondly Elizabeth daughter of Sir Henry Hussey
of Hastings, Sussex, a knight who was present at the famous battle of Agincourt, by
whom he had several children. By his charter dated 17th Sept. 29th Henry VI
(1450) he conveyed to Sir Maurice Berkeley of Beverston, Knt., Maurice Denys,
Esq., and others, for certain uses to be afterwards declared, the manor of Broken-
burgh with appurtenances in Almondesbury, Tokynton, Hempton, Petyshawe
Overwoodland and Winterbourne ; also the manor of Daggelynworth, with
appurtenances in Daggelynworth and Cirencester, and the the advowson of the
chantry of the Blessed Mary of Almondesbury with appurtenances. And afterwards
the said Nicholas declared the said conveyance to be to the following uses, viz., to
the use of the said Nicholas and Elizabeth his wife for their lives, and the longest
liver of them, the manor of Brokenbury with its appurtenances and also the
advowson of the chantry, remainder to Maurice Poyntz our son and the heirs male
of his body, in default remainder to Thomas Poyntz our son and the heirs male
of his body, in default remainder to Nicholas Poyntz our son and the heirs male
of his body, in default remainder to Henry our son and the heirs male of his
body, in default to Maurice Denys, son of the aforesaid Maurice Denys, Esq.,
and Alice our daughter, and the heirs male of the said Maurice, in default
remainder to Johanna our youngest daughter, and the heirs of her body, in
default remainder to Alice wife of the aforesaid Maurice Denys, our eldest
daughter and the heirs of her body, in default remainder to Margaret wife of
John Lisle, Esq., our middle daughter and the heirs of her body, in default
remainder to the right heirs of the said Nicholas. And as regards the manor
of Daggelynworth, to the use of the said Nicholas and Elizabeth for their lives
and the longer liver of them, remainder to Nicholas our son and the heirs
1 Rot. Fin., 6th Edward IV. 2 Rot. Claus., 6th Edw. IV.

POYNTZ OE IRON ACTON.

male of his body, in default remainder to Thomas our son and the heirs male
of his body, in default remainder to Maurice our son and the heirs male of
his body, in default remainder to Henry our son and the heirs male of his
body, in default remainder to Maurice Denys son of the aforesaid Maurice
Denys, Esq., and Alice our daughter and the heirs male of the said Maurice
Denys the son, in default remainder to Johanna our youngest daughter and the
heirs of her body, in default remainder to the aforesaid Alice our eldest daughter
and the heirs of her body, in default remainder to Margaret wife of John Lisle,
Esq., our middle daughter and the heirs of her body, and in default of such
issue remainder to the right heirs of me the said Nicholas for ever.1 This
would seem to be the provision he made, at least in part, for the issue of
his second marriage.

Henry Poyntz, under the name of Poyntz Eitz Nicholas Poyntz, has been
supposed to have been the founder of the family of Poyntz of North Okenden
in Essex by marriage with the daughter of ... Baudwin, but we have failed to
discover any evidence in support of the statement. On the contrary, we think
we have found a wife for him elsewhere. On 5th March 1458 William Canterbury
of Bristol granted to Nicholas Poyntz of Acton, Esq., Philip Mede and Thomas
Eogers four houses in Kedcliffe Street and other houses in Bristol, and on the
10th of the same month the parties of the second to this deed conveyed the
same to William Canterbury, Esq., and his wife Alicia to hold to them and the
heirs of the said William, born of the said Alicia. These deeds contain a settlement
on the marriage of the said William Canterbury and Alice. By a deed dated
26th December 1459 and a quit claim two days afterwards, William Canterbury
and Alice his wife convey the said premises to certain feoffees. William Canterbury
died immediately afterwards, and by his will, dated 4th January 1459-60,2 demised
certain of the aforesaid premises to the aforesaid feoffees, subject to a sufficient
provision being made from them for Alice his wife, and certain other of the
houses he demises to her absolutely in fee. On 20th Deer. 1478 the surviving
feoffees grant the premises held by them to Henry Poyntz, Esq. and Alice his
wife, relict of William Canterbury.3 There are other deeds between the said
parties, which it is unnecessary to cite here.

The fact that a Nicholas Poyntz of Acton being concerned in the transaction
would imply an'; intimacy, if not some connection, between the families, and we
do not know of any Henry Poyntz except Henry the son of Nicholas, who was
probably young in 1456, that could become the husband of Alice Carpenter.

> Eot. Clans. 34th Henry VI, m. 9d. 2 Deed in the Parish Chest of St. Thomas, Bristol.

» Prob. 3rd March, 1459-60, Bristol Wills, p. 139.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

A Peter Poynes of Westbury on Trym, near Bristol, made bis will 6tb January
1574. He does not mention any children and constitutes bis wife Margery
executrix.1 Margery Poynes did not long survive her husband. She made her
will 12th Jan. 1574. She does not mention any children, but she names her brother
Eichard Parsons, whom she appoints joint executor with Humphry Farrington.'2

It is possible that Peter Poynes was descended from the above mentioned
Henry and Alice his wife, but we have nothing in support of the conjecture.

James, first Lord Berkeley, during his whole life was involved in heavy suits of
law and other perplexities. Smyth says, " the power and malice of his adversaries
kept him for the most part within doors like a prisoner from youth to age.3 In the
year 1449, when the legal struggle with the powerful coheirs of his late cousin
Thomas, fourth Lord Berkeley, was at its height, his necessities were so great that
Smyth says " he borrowed twenty-two marks of Mr. Nicholas Poyntz whereof to re-
pay twelve marks on Midsummer day following, for assurance whereof he pawned to
him one guilt masse book, a chalice of silver weighing eighteen ounces, a chesipull
with stolys and fanons of red sattin, three aubes, three amices, one white autercloth
with crosses of black silk therein with one valence fringed sewed thereto of red
cloth of gold, one cloth of red palle to hang afore an aulter of the same, another
cloth of the same for a reredote, and two ridles4 of red tartryn."5

The exact date of the death of Nicholas Poyntz is uncertain. He would seem
to have died very soon after he made the charter above abstracted, for in the
following year his son John Poyntz, Esq., confirmed to Thomas Poyntz and the heirs
of his body a moiety of the manor of Nympsfield with appurtenances in co.
Gloucester which the said Thomas held of him, to hold to the said Thomas and the
heirs of his body of the Abbot of Westminster and his successors for ever. Maurice
Berkeley of Beverston, Kt., John Botiller, Edmund Blount, Esquire, and others were
witnesses.6 In 1477-8 John Poyntz ratified to Thomas Poyntz an estate and
possession of a moiety of the manor of Nympsfield.7

In the Inquisition taken upon the death of Humphry Stafford, Duke of
Buckingham, on 11th September 1460, among the many knights' fees which he
held it was found that in the Honour of Gloucester he had six knights' fees
in Tokynton and Swell, which were held of him by the heirs of Nicholas
Poyntz. And at the same time it was found that Eobert de Poyntz held one
fee of him in Iren Acton.8

1 Probate lltli January 1574 Bristol Probate Court. ' Probate 20th January 1574 PC. Bristol.

3 Berkeley MSS., Smyth's Lives of the Berkeley s, vol. ii, 96. 4 Kiddles = curtains.

s Berkeley MSS., Smyth's Lives of the Berkeleys, fo. 519. 6 Rot. Claus., 35th Hen. VI, m. 1 d.

» Eot. Claus., 36th Hen. VI. 8 Inq. p.m., 38th, 39th Henry VI, No. 59.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

John Poyntz succeeded his father in his estates,1 and having made fealty and
homage and given security for his relief was granted full seizin of his lands on
28th October 1460,2 but he survived his father only a short time. He married
Alice daughter of John Cock of Bristol, or of ... Cox of Skenfrith, co. Mon., who
had an assignment of dower in 1467-8. 3 By this lady he left seven children,
of whom Eobert his heir, who was 17 years of age on his father's death, and
Thomas his second, were somewhat remarkable in their generation. Thomas Poyntz
was an Esquire for the King's Body, and was attached to the household of Prince
Arthur. On the 10th May 1488, Thomas Poyntz, an Esquire of the Body, had
a grant for life of the office of Steward of the Hundred of Bisley and Keeper
of the Parks of Barnesley, Brimsfield, and Missenden, all in co. Gloucester, which
on the death of Cecilia Duchess of York will revert to the Kin«; and his consort

1 Could this John Poyntz have been the gentleman mentioned in the following correspondence: —
In a letter written 9th December 1468 by one Godfrey Greene, " To my right reverend and most
especial gude maistre Sir William Plompton, Knight" among much other news of the day is this
passage : My Lord of Oxford is comitt to the Tower, and it is said in irons, and that he has confessed
myche thinge ; and on Munday afore St. Andrew day one Alford and Poiner, gentlemen to my Lord of
Northfolk, and one Sr. peirs Skinner of London, were beheaded.

The learned Editor, the late Thomas Stapleton, Esq., f.s.a., appends the following note : — The news
communicated by Godfrey Greene in this letter furnishes some additional historical information to fill up
the meagre outline of the events of the time, as given in the chronicles. To begin with the ' ' remarkable
fragment" printed by Hearne in the same volume with " Sprotti chronica," p. 296 ; it is there narrated,
<: this vijth {lege viijtu) yere Margarete sustir unto King E. bifore saide departid frome the King, and rode
thurgh oute London behynde the Erie of Warwicke, and rode that lh^t to Stratford Abbay, and from
thens to the se syde, and went into Flaundres to Brugis, where she was maryid with grate solempnite.
And within shute space aftir, thois astates, as the Duchess of ISTorthfolk with othir, retournid in to
Englond, in whois Company were ij yong gentilmen, that one namid John Poyntz and that othir William
Alsford, the which were arestid bicause in the tyme of the foresaide mariage they had familiar communi-
cation with the Duke of Somerset and his complicis there, in which they were bothe detectid of treason .
whereuppon one Richard Steris skinner of London with thois ij. were behedid at the toure-hill the
xxj. day of Novembre." This extract is from a contemporary and well-informed writer, and accords with
the news in the letter, save that the day of execution is spoken of in the letter as being Monday before
St. Andrew's day, i.e. 28th November (instead of Monday night, 21st November), and the same Steris (or
Staires, Rot. Park, VI, 229b) is written St. peirs, an error no doubt of our copyist in 1612. In Fabyan
is this notice on the events of the year 1468, 8th Edw. IV. : " This yere, and xxj day of Novembre, a
servaunt of the Duks of Exeter, named Richard Sterys, after his jugement, was drawen through the cytie
unto the Tower Hylle, and there parted in ij pesys, that is, the hede from ihe body. And upon the daye
followinge, two persones beyng named (the one) Poynys and the other Alforde, were drawen Avestwarde to
Tyborne, and there whan the shulde have been hanged, then chartours were shewyd, and so preservyd."
(Plumpton Correspondence, Camden Society, p. 18, 1839).

2 Rot, Fin., 39th Henry VI., No. 4.

3 Rot. Claus. 7th Edw. IV.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Elizabeth, in right of the said Elizabeth. And on 8th March following (1488-9),
in consideration of his services to the King and also to the King's first born son
Arthur, he was granted an annuity of 40 marks out of the manor of Eingwood,
co. Hants. He was subsequently Knight of the King's Body and served the
office of Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1509. He married Johanna, relict of
Walter Devereux, Lord of Ferrers, in whose right he held the castle and manor
of Weobly, co. Hereford.1 His sister Elizabeth, known as Bessie Poyntz, was
nurse to the son of Henry VIII. by Katherine his Queen. The child died an
infant.

Dame Alice, relict of Sir John Poyntz, after his death married, as his second
wife, Sir Edward Berkeley of Beverston and died 29th October 1509.2

Sir Eobert Poyntz, son and heir of Sir John Poyntz was in 1483 one
of the Esquires of the Body to King Edw. IV., and as such was present at his
funeral. In the following year he was Sheriff of Southampton, and was granted
by King Eichard III. a pardon for all manner of crimes. He seems however to
have renounced his allegiance and to have become an active adherent of the
Earl of Eichmond, and was knighted at the battle of Eedmore after King
Eichard was slain, 22nd August 1485.3 He appears to have stood high in the
new Kind's favour and confidence. On 12th of the following month he was
appointed Sheriff of Gloucestershire during pleasure, and was confirmed in the
same on 12th November. On the 25th September he was granted the office
of Steward of the Hundred of Barton with the Great Court, beside the town
of Bristol, also Steward of Sodbury and Master of the Game there during the
minority of Edward son and heir of George Duke of Clarence, also the office
of Steward of Thornbury and Master of the Game within the Parks and Lordship,
all within the co. Gloucester, during pleasure.4 On 8th March following,
jointly with Sir Alexander Baynham, Knt., he was granted, in survivorship the
office of Constable of the Castle of St. Briavels with the fees thereto pertaining.
In 1486 King Henry dined with Sir Eobert Poyntz at Acton, on his way to Bristol,
and in the next year, by writ of Privy Seal, he was granted the sum of £50,
by way of reward. In this year he was one of the Knights Bachelors present

1 Inq. p.m. Thomas Baynham, Bich. III. and Hen. VII., No. 178.
1 Inq. p.m. 1st Henry VIII.

5 Cott. MS., Claud. Ill, fo. 9. The arms assigned to him are Quarterly, 1 and 4, per pale and
per fess indented Ar. and Az. counterchanged ; 2 and 3, Quarterly, Gu. and Or counterchanged a
bendlet Ar. Crest — Four teazles erect stalked and foliated Vert, fructed Or. These are the arms of
Acton and Fitz Mcholl.

4 Materials for the History of England, Henry VII. Public Eecords.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

at the Coronation of Elizabeth of York, Queen of Henry VII. In 1488 he was
appointed one of the Commissioners to take the muster of archers, &c, and
in the next year on 3rd July was placed in a Commission for Sewers from
Berkeley to Kingrode, and on the 6th September in the same year in the
Commission of the Peace, then limited to a few of the principal men of the
county only. In 1491 he was again Sheriff of Gloucestershire. On 3rd December
1492 he was apointed Seneschal of the Castle of Berkeley and Master of the
chases, parks, and waters of the Hundred of Berkeley,1 now in the King's
hands by the gift of William Marquis Berkeley. And on the 15th February
the same year, he was granted an annuity of £21 a year, out of the
issues of certain lands in the lordship of Lancerne. And on the same day
letters of exemplification were granted to Kobert son and heir of John, son
and heir of Nicholas Poyntz.2 On 14th January 1496 a covenant was entered
into between John Walsh of Olveston, co. Gloucester, and Sir Eobert Poyntz,
for the marriage of John Walsh, son and heir of the said John Walsh, and
Ann, the daughter of the said Eobert, and also with reference to the marriage
of Nicholas Poyntz and one of the daughters of the said John Walsh. John
Walsh senior died not long after, and on 1st December 1503 Sir Eobert Poyntz
was granted the wardship and marriage of John Walsh, son and heir of John
Walsh, Esq., deceased, who was the son and heir also of Elizabeth, lately wife
of the said John Walsh,3 deceased, which John and Elizabeth at their deaths
held divers lands and tenements by military service separately, and also the
maritagium of the said John Walsh if he should die under age.4 John Walsh,
the younger, married Ann, daughter of John Dinley of co. Hants, but he afterwards
took as his second wife the aforesaid Ann Poyntz, as we shall see presently. On
the reception of Katherine of Arragon, who landed at Plymouth on 5th October,
certain great personages were appointed to meet her at Ambresbury on her
journey towards London, among whom was Sir Eobert Poyntz.5

On 28th May 1517 Sir Eobert Poyntz and Thomas Poyntz were granted a
licence for imparking land in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire ;
and on the 24th July in the same year Sir Eobert Poyntz and Sir Anthony
Poyntz were appointed Stewards in survivorship of the Lordship of Barton
near Bristol, and of the Great Court, alias Erie's Court, held annually at
St. James, Bristol, and to be Stewards in survivorship of all the lands of
William late Marquis of Berkeley on surrender by the said Eobert of the

1 Kot. Pat. 8th Hen. VII. 4 Kot. Pat. 19th Henry VII.

« Rot. Pat. 8th Hen. VII. » Letters of Rich. III. and Hen. VII., vol. i., p. 8.

3 This lady was the daughter of Richard Foster of Carbery.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Patent of 3rd December, 8th Henry VIII. He was also Chancellor and Privy
Councillor to Queen Katherine.

William Lord Berkeley, son and heir of James Lord Berkeley by Isabel
elder daughter and heir of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, affecting to
take offence at the marriage of Maurice his : brother and heir presumptive, but
moved more by envy at the elevation by the favour of the King of his first
cousin John Lord Howard, son of Margaret the younger daughter and coheir
of the said Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and coparcenar with him on the death
s.p. of Ann, daughter and sole heir of John Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, and
his own ambitious desire, resolved at all costs, to attain to as high a rank, to this
end he dissipated the whole of his vast estates, including the Baronies of Berkeley,
Mowbray, Segrave, and Bedford, within the period of ten years by grants to
the King and his courtiers, through which he was successively created Viscount
Berkeley, Earl of Nottingham, Earl Marshal, Great Marshal of England, and
finally Marquis Berkeley, having after all failed to attain the summit of his
ambition.

Maurice Berkeley, brother and heir of the said Marquis, who had been so
cruelly disinherited of the whole of the estates to which he was entitled,
naturally set himself to investigate his title and endeavour to recover what he
could of the lands of which he had been so unjustly deprived. He became a
very shrewd and skilful lawyer, so much so that he conducted his own cases
in the courts and succeeded by process of law in recovering from King
Henry VII many manors and lands. In the year to which we have now
reached (8th Henry VII) he proceeded against Sir Eobert Poyntz, then an
Esquire of the Body to the King, whom the King, as we have seen above,
had just made Steward of the Honour and Manor of Berkeley, to recover the
Manor of Daglino-worth. Maurice claimed this manor as his inheritance at
common law as descended to him from Ealph Bluet, whose family had long
possessed it, which Ealph entailed it upon Ealph his son and Elizabeth his
wife and the heirs of their two bodies, who had issue John Bluet who had
issue Elizabeth who married James Lord Berkeley father of the late Marquis
and this Lord Maurice. That James Lord Berkeley afterwards enfeoffed Eichard
Venables and others in the said manor to certain uses, and after the said James
and Isabel his wife by a fine granted the same to Nicholas Poyntz and
Elizabeth his wife and the heirs of the body of the said Nicholas who was
the father of Sir John Poyntz father of this Sir Eobert. The estate which
the said Eichard Venables and his cofeoffees the said Marquis Berkeley had, from
whom the said manor descended to the said Maurice as to his brother and

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

heir, who entered, and thereby was remitted to the entail made by Ealph
Bluet the father and so is seized ; and so also that the said Lord James his
father and other parties to the said fine, had nothing in the said manor at the
time the fine was levied.

Maurice Berkeley brought also another suit against Sir Eobert Poyntz to
recover certain other lands in Dagiingworth and Cirencester, whereto Sir Eobert
made title under a gift in tail made by Ponce Poyntz son of Nicholas unto
Thomas Poyntz and Alice his wife and the heirs of their bodies ; and layeth
down that the said Thomas and Alice had issue Eobert Poyntz, father of
Nicholas before mentioned, who by Elizabeth his wife had issue John father
of the said Sir Eobert, plaintiff.1 Smyth says this Lord was successful in this
action by like nicety as before.

These proceedings were conducted with the greatest acrimony and viru-
lence, and were the root of much bitterness, which existed between the two
families for four or five descents. Even the marriage in 19th Henry VIII of
Nicholas Poyntz and Jane youngest daughter of Thomas Lord Berkeley, the
fifth of that name, grandchildren to the parties to the above suit, which was
specially designed as a reconciliation of the family animosities, failed to effect it.

Sir Eobert Poyntz married Margaret illegitimate daughter of Sir Anthony
Wydville, Baron Scales, jure uxoris. and Earl Eivers, beheaded at Pontefract,
25th June 1483. Her mother was Gwentlian daughter of Sir William Stradling
and Isabella his wife. On the occasion of this marriage her father settled
upon his daughter 800 marks, 200 whereof were to be paid on the sealing of
the deed on certain days appointed. He also settled upon her lands to the
yearly value of one hundred marks.2 Nevertheless there is no evidence what-
ever of a marriage having taken place between the parties. There is an old
letter in the possession of the present Mr. Stradling of Clevedon Court, co.
Som., from Sir Nicholas Poyntz of Tockington, co. Glouc, to the Eight Wor-

1 Berkeley MSS., Lives of the Berkeleys, vol. ii, pp. 162 et seq.

2 Anthony Widville in the lifetime of his father married Elizabeth daughter and heir of Thomas
Lord Scales, and in her right was summoned to Parliament. He married secondly Mary daughter
and heir to Henry Fitz Lewis (Banks's " Baronage" ). In his will dated 23rd June 1483 he directs
masses to he said for the soul of " Syr Henry Lewes, and that my wife have all such plate as was
the same Henry Lewes's, and other of my plate to the value of as much as I hadd of his, also
that she have all such plate as was given hyr at our marriage. " This would seem entirely to
exclude any marriage with Gwentlian Stradling. It is stated in Dugdale's " Warwickshire " and
Blomfield's "Norfolk" that Sir Anthony Widville left no children by either of his two wives, but
by a beloved mistress called Gwentlian, only daughter of Sir William Stradling and Isabel his
wife, he had a daughter Margaret who married Sir Eobert Poyntz of Iron Acton.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

•shipful Sir Edward Stradling, Knt., dated at Tockington Lodge 13th June 1584,
.asking Sir Edward Stradling to furnish him with proofs of the legitimacy of
Margaret Rivers, who married my " Great Grand fauther, from whom I
descende, knowing that you can therein certifye me the troeth, because she
was a daughter to your ancestor." It is also stated that Wentlian was the
wife of Anthony Widville Earl Eivers. Their daughter Margaret married Sir
Robert Poyntz. Earl Rivers made his will in Pontefract Castle just before his
execution, whereof he appointed Sir Robert Poyntz one of his executors.

In 1520 Sir Robert Poyntz and Sir Anthony Poyntz were among the
Knights summoned from Gloucestershire to attend upon the King at the Field
of the Cloth of Gold.1

Sir Robert Poyntz by Margaret Widville had eight children, of the more
remarkable of whom we shall refer to more particularly presently. It appears
from the Inquisition taken, after his death, at Bristol on the 25th September
1521, of the messuages and tenements he held in that city, that he died on the
5th November, 12th Henry YIII (1520), and that Anthony Poyntz was his son
and heir and was aged 40 years and more. A similar Inquisition was taken at
Thornbury on 13th November following,3 for the County of Gloucester, from
which it appears that before his death he had settled nearly all his lands to
the uses appointed in his will dated 19th October 1620 ; an abstract of which
will be printed in the Appendix. In this instrument he directed that his body
should " be buried in the Church of the Gaunts beside Bristol, in the Chapel
■of Jesus, which latelie I have caused to be new edified and made at my costs
and charges, on the south side of the chauncell of the sayde church, and the
over part thereof, behynde the Presbitery there, that is to witte, in a vawte
in the same thereonto redy prepared and ordeyned. Mine executors to
provide a f}rne small marble stone to be laid over the mydds of the vawte
with a scripture making mention of all the bodies that lye buried in the same
vawte, and of the days and years of their decease."4 All the executors

i State Papers.

a Inq. p.m. 13th Henry VIII, Exch. No. 5.

4 There is now no trace of this stone, but there are two bosses in the beautiful roof of this
■chapel, each charged with a shield of Arms. The eastern boss is carved and emblazoned with the
arms of King Henry VIII. impaling those of Castile and Leon quarterly, for his then Queen
Katherine of Arragon. On the western boss are the arms of Sir Robert himself : — Quarterly, 1,
Barry of eight Gu. and Or (Poyntz) ; 2, Quarterly per fess indented Ar. and Az. (Actox) ; :3,
Paly of six Ar. and Az. upon a fess Gu. three mullets Or. (Clanvowe) ; 4, Quarterly, Gu. and Or,
a bendlet Ar. (Fitz Xtcholl) impaling, Quarterly of six for his wife Margaret Wydville: 1, Ar.,
a lion ramp, quevee forchee Gu. crowned Or (St. Paul) ; 2, Ar., six escallop shells Sa. (not

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

named in the will would seem to have renounced, and administration of the
effects of the deceased was granted with will annexed in 1523 to Anthony
Poyntz his son and heir. A return is made of £40 for which the said Eobert
Poyntz, along with Bradstone, had become security for Sir Alexander Bayn-
ham, Sheriff.

Sir Anthony Poyntz, as we have just seen, was returned by the jurors,
on the Inquisition post mortem of his father, as aged 40 years, hence he
was born in 1480 or before. As Anthony Poyntz Esquire he was Sheriff of
Gloucester in 1507. He had attained equestrian rank in 1513, in March
of which year he was one of the Captains in the fleet of forty-two ships which
assembled at Portsmouth under the command of Thomas Lord Howard, Lord
High Admiral, to proceed against France.1 He was one of those who stood
in such high favour with the King that the influence which they were sup-
posed to exercise produced great jealousy. Sir Thomas Boleyn, Ambassador

known); 3, Ar. a fess and canton Gu. (Wtdville); 4, Gu. a star of twelve points Ar. (Db Beauxx) ;
5, Gu. a griffin segreant Or, (unknown) ; 6, Vaire (Beauchamp). There appears to be on an escutcheon
of pretence a lion ramp. Sa., but in consequence of the height of the object, the dimness of the light,
and the effect of time we are unable to speak with certainty, nor can we account for any such
pretence on the part of the Wydville family. It will be noticed that on the coat of Wydville
the bend sinister is omitted. This is accounted for by the fact that the Poyntzs claimed for her,
though without foundation, legitimate birth, as shewn (ante page 66) by the letter from Sir
Nicholas Poyntz of Tockington, great-grandson of Sir Eobert, to Sir Edward Stradling on this
subject. It is somewhat remarkable that in the Herald's Visitation of Gloucestershire 1623, the
arms of the Wydville shield are allowed as quarterings to the Poyntz family, notwithstanding
that the Wydville coat is shewn with the bend sinister. Margaret Wydville could not be con-
sidered an heiress in any circumstances, but we believe that in cases in which no legitimate issue
existed, to be prejudiced by it, the quarterings were sometimes continued to an illegitimate person, though
in law having no relations. In marshalling the arms on the Wydville shield a somewhat unusual
course has been adopted in placing the arms of the lady's putative father in the third quarter
instead of the first. It is, however, not placed first in the shield of Queen Elizabeth Wydville,
and may have been transposed by Sir Eobert Poyntz the better to ignore the bar-sinister.

In the Gaunt Chapel against the western respond of the aisle is what appears to be one of the
panels of an altar tomb of Decorated work boldly carved Avith the arms of Poyntz quartering-
Acton, Clanvowe, and Eitz Nicholl, with two lions for supporters.

It should, however, be noticed that in the pedigree recorded at the Herald's Visitation of
Gloucestershire in 1623 is the following note relative to this marriage : —

A testimony of this match apereth by indentures of covenant of the mariag yett extant under
the hand and seale of the said Erie, by letters written by the hand of the reverend ffather Morton
Cardinale, also by the arms of the Erie impaled with Poyntz on the top of a Chappell near
Bristowe where they lye buried. Harl. MS. 1543, fo. 36.

1 Hall's Chron., p. 535. Ed. 1809.
K"

68 MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

in France1, writing to Cardinal Wolsey on 10th May 1519, says, it is written
to the French King, as he told me, how the King's Grace hath put away
divers of his mignons, as Carew, Bryan, Nevel, Guildford, Peche and Pointz,
that the manner of it was thus — -the Cardinal and Council sent for these
gentlemen and said to them how the brute (report) was that they governed
the King after their appetite which was not honourable, wherefore they should
come no more to court, &c, and the Cardinal in his answer saith these young
men, as he calls them, were removed and other said Consailers put in their
places.2 This, if true, did not much affect his relations with the King. On
13th April 1520 he was, as before stated, one of the Knights from Gloucestershire
who were appointed to attend upon his Grace on his passage over the sea to Calais,
on the occasion of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, and among the noble women
who accompanied the Queen was Sir Anthony Poyntz's daughter. In the following
year he together with Sir Thomas Po3Tntz were on the jury upon the indict-
ment found against Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham on a charge of high
treason. In this year war broke out again between Francis I. of France and
the Emperor, and a treaty was entered into between the Constable of Bourbon,
the Emperor, and the King of England, in which it was agreed that France
should be divided between the two latter. On 30th August 1522 an expedi-
tion was sent under the command of Thomas Howard, now Earl of Surrey,
Lord High Admiral, with whom were Sir Anthony Poynes, Sir Maurice
Berkeley and divers other knights and gentlemen, who leaving their ships at
Calais invaded Picardy, and destroyed many towns and villages, but winter
approaching they returned without the acquisition of much military glory or
political advantage. In August 1523 we find Sir Anthony Poyntz in command
of a fleet in the western seas to defend the coasts against the French. On the
28th of that month Cardinal Wolsey writing to the King states that he had
instructed the Vice- Admiral to send two ships " westwardes to joyne Sir
Anthony Poyntz for his better strength."3 In this year he was one of the
Assessors of Subsidies for the County of Gloucester. In the year 1529, in
the proceedings against Queen Katherine for a divorce, Sir Anthony Poyntz
was one of the witnesses. His deposition may be found in the Cotton MSS.
Yitellius B. xii, 110 et seq. In 1530 he obtained letters patent, which, reciting
former letters patent, by which he was granted the custody of Kingswood

1 Created Viscount Rochford 1525, Earl of Wiltshire, Earl of Orinond in Ireland, 1529,
X.G., ob. 1538.

a MS., Jesus Coll., Oxon.

3 State Papers, Henry VIIL, i, 122.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

Forest, granting the same to him and to his son Nicholas Poyntz on the
same terms as held by Francis Poyntz.1 In the 24th of the same King he
was granted to farm the Manor and Hundred of Barton near Bristol, which
after his death descended to his son Nicholas Poyntz.2

Sir Anthony Poyntz was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir William Huddersfield of Shillingford, co. Devon, by Katherine
daughter of Sir Philip Courtenay of Powderham by Elizabeth daughter of
William Lord Hungerford. This lady was thrice married. Her first husband
was Thomas Eogers of Canington, co. Somerset, Serjeant-at-Law. She married,
secondly Sir St. Clare Pomeroy of Berry Pomeroy, Knt., and thirdly Sir
William Huddersfield of Shillingford aforesaid, whom she survived, and making
her will on 21st November 1510, as his relict, says "my daughter Elizabeth
Poyntz to have all such stuffe as remaineth in my place at Birtporte
(Bridport), Dorset, as in a Bill made and subscribed by me is specified or
declared, so that the said Elizabeth and her husband Sir Anthony Poyntz, &c."
If they vex or trouble my executors I give it to my son George [Eogers.]3
He married secondly Jane Guildford relict of Sir Ei chard Guildford, Knt. On
12th April 1527, the King granted to Sir Anthony Poyntz, Knt., and Dame
Joan Guildford his wife a tun of Gascon wine yearly, during the life of the
said Joan, out of the prizes of wine in the ports of London, Bristol and
Southampton.4 And in an Act of Parliament 22nd Henry VIII., cap. 17 (1530,)
confirming a grant to Henry Duke of Eichmond and Somerset, there is the
following reservation : — Provyded alway that this Acte, nor any thyng therein
contayned, shall yn any wyse be hurtfull or prejudiciall to Sir Anthony
Poyntz, Knt., and the Lady Jane Guildford his wyfe, late the wyfe of Sir
Eichard Guildford Kfc. nor to any of them, of, for, or concernying an annuytie,
or yerly Eent of xlti to be had, perceyved or taken yn, owte, or uppon the
premissis, or any parte or parcell thereof yn " the Manor of Eidley, co.
Chester." Sir Anthony Poyntz died in 1535, but we do not find his will or
any administration relating to his effects.

John Poyntz, second son of Sir Eobert Po3iitz, was the founder of the
family of Poyntz of Alderley, of which we shall write hereafter.

Sir Francis Poyntz, third son of Sir Eobert Poyntz, was in the diplomatic
rservice of the King. He was an Esquire of the Body in 1526. In 1527
he was sent on a special mission to the Emperor to solicit, jointly with
the French Ambassador, the deliverance of the children of the King of

» Pot. Pat., 22nd Henry VIII. 3 Prob. P.C.C 4, Holder.

2 Inq. V.O. Hemy VIII, No. 85. 4 Rot Pat., 10th Henry VIII.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF 1'OYNTZ.

France detained as hostages under the Treaty of Madrid. The original and
secret instructions given to him by the King on this occasion, and also the
additional instructions of Cardinal Wolsey in May and June 1527, are in
the University Library at Cambridge.1 Wolsey, in writing to the King from
Abbeville on the last day of July in this year, reports that he had received
newes letters from the King's ambassadors in Spain, Dr. Lee, Bishop of
Worcester, and Sir Francis Poyntz, dated at Yalladolid on the 21st,2 and it may
be of interest to remark that it was on the occasion of this journey that
Wolsey first used the style of " Majestie " in addressing the King.3 The
Ambassadors met with a favourable reception from the Emperor, but do not
appear to have succeeded in the object of their mission. On the 23rd August
Sir Francis Poyntz wrote to Wolsey from Valladolid stating that the term of
his safe conduct would expire before the end of the next month, and wishes
to know if he is to come home. He says the country is tedious to those who
follow the Court here when the Emperor removes, specially for those who
came in post. Having neither bed nor other stuff to carry with them they
find on their arrival nothing but bare walls. We know not when he obtained
permission to return, but probably soon after the date above cited. Certainly
he was in England in the middle of the following year. Sir John Eussell
writing to Cardinal Wolsey from Hertford, on 26th June 1528, says ; The
Kinges Majestie is moche troublid with this disease of the Swet ; for, as this
night, there is fallen syke my Lorde Marques, and my Lady Marques,4 Sir
Thomas Cheney, Maistras Croke ; Maister Norres and Maister Wallop5 be
recoverid ; and Maister Poynes is departed, whiche Jhesu pardon.0 Sir Francis
died on the 26th June, the day the above was written, s.p., and was buried
at Hunsden in co. Herts. An Inquisition was taken at Gloucester on 4th
November 21st Henry VIII. when it was found that he died on 26th June 20th
Henry VIII. without heirs male of his body, and that Anthony Poyntz son
and heir of Eobert Poyntz, Knt., was his nearest heir. The manor of Elkstone
is the subject of the Inquisition. He received from Francis I. a gift of
plate for his service in Spain in the French cause which he gave to his father,,
and which is mentioned in the will of Sir Eobert Poyntz.

1 (Ee. 4, 27, p. 43, et sub.) State Papers, Henry VIII, i, 225.

2 These letters are among the Cotton MSS., British Museum. Vesp., c. iv, leaf 174.

3 State Papers, Henry VIII., vol. i, p. 334.

4 The Marquis and Marchioness of Dorset.

5 Sir John Wallop.

" State Papers, Henry VIII, i, 302.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

As to the other issue of Sir Bobert Poyntz it will suffice to refer to the
tabular pedigree. Sir Anthony Poyntz in 1531 presented John Selwyn to the
Church of Iron Acton and died about four years later, of the exact date we
have no record. He had issue seven children, five sons and two daughters, of
whom two of his sons, Eobert and Thomas, died before their father. Sir
Nicholas Poyntz was his son and heir, of whom only it will be sufficient to
speak specifically in this place. He was present of the christening of Prince
Edward on 12th October 1537, and in 1539 he was one of the Grooms of
the Bedchamber to the King. He was Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1538 and
1544, and 1555 was Burgess in Parliament for Cricklade, co. Wilts. In 1545
he commanded some ships in the Channel, apparently for the defence of the
mercantile shipping against pirates. The Privy Council writing to Thomas
Thirlby1 then Commissioner at Bourbourg, say " Sir Nicholas Poyntz is not
here but in his own countrey, which is, as you knowe, above 160 myles
hens, and yet being appoynted to the sees on the West Partes, we ar in doubt
wheder he be departed, nevertheless we will send vnto him, and do asmuch for
the knoweledge of the matier as may be done conveniently."2

In the contention for the succession to the Crown on the death of Edward
VI. between the Princess Mary and the Lady Jane Grey, Sir Nicholas Poyntz
adopted the cause of the daughter of his old master, apparently to the dis-
appointment of her competitor. Strype says, 18th July 1553, Queen Jane
(she had been proclaimed on the 10th) thinking herself sure of Sir John Bridges
and Sir Nicholas Poyntz signed a letter to them, ordering them to raise
with speed all the power they could of their servants, tenants, officers, and
friends to allay a tumult in Bucks which had arisen in favour of Mary,3 but the
day after the date of the letter quoted, Mary was proclaimed in London, and
on the day following Northumberland himself proclaimed her at Cambridge.
Meanwhile Sir Nicholas Poyntz wrote to Sir John St. Lac, his uncle, announcing
Mary's proclamation at Chepe Cross in London. He rallied to the Queen's side
and we find a few notices of him at the time of Wyat's rebellion. In
February 1553-4 Sir Nicholas Ponynges (Poyntz) being an assistant at the
Tower was with the Queen to know whether they should " shot of at the Kentysh
men. and so bett doune the houses upon their heddes," and again, there stood

1 The King's Chamberlain, afterwards Bishop of Norwich and Ely. Deprived 1559.

2 State Papers, Hen. VIII., x, 484.

3 Strype's " Life of Cranmer," vol. iii, 7 and appendix.

'' Letter in the Longleat Collection, printed in the " Wilts Magazine," vol. viii, p. 310.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

" upon the leddes of the White Tower Sir Nicholas Poyns, Sir Thomas Pope,
Master John Sea Mor, and others." This was during the conflict at Charms'
Cross. And when the prisoners were being brought in Sir Nicholas with others
were at the landing place to receive them, and it is said : Then came Thomas
Cobham whom Sir Nicholas Pomes took by the bosome, and saide, " Alas,
Maister Cobham, what wynde headed you to work such treason ?" and he
answered, " I was seduced."1

We do not know of any other public employment in which Sir Nicholas
Poyntz was engaged. On Midsummer Day 1528 he married Joan youngest
daughter of Thomas V. Lord Berkeley at her father's house at Yate. This
was the alliance which was intended to heal all animosities between the two
families to which we have before alluded (ante p. 65), but it failed of
having that effect. The arrangements made by the parents of the parties
on this marriage are worth noting as illustrative of the usage of the times.
The marriage portion of the lady was 1600 marks, whereof £100 was to be
paid at the marriage and 100 marks each year after, and it was further agreed
that if Nicholas died before the marriage the said Joan should marry his
brother Giles Poyntz. Each father, at his own cost, to apparell his own child
after his degree, the charges of the wedding to be equally borne by either
party with divers arrangements as to the jointure of the lady in case she
survived her husband and contingent upon her succession to the Berkeley
estates, either solely or jointly with her sister Meryell in case of the deaths of
her brothers. This marriage brought Nicholas Poyntz and his brother Giles
into closer contact with their brother-in-law Maurice Berkeley and they readily
took part in the contentions of that family, as we shall presently see.

This unfortunate Lady survived her husband, and "in her elder years"
Smyth says, " married Sir Edward Dyer and dyed in the Sixth of Elizabeth,"2
She ended her days in the greatest misery. Her husband would seem from the
following statement to have treated her with the greatest cruelty, though this
cruelty is not mentioned by Smyth. " In the month of March [1563] died the
Lady Poyntz whose husband had been a great Officer and favorite with King
Henry YHI. Her death I should not have mentioned but because somewhat
happened very strange but a little while before her Departure. She had married
one Dyer, a Second Husband, whose Carriage to her was so inhuman that it broke
her Heart with sorrow, while she lay Sick he allowed her not the necessary
help of physic, and to add to her Grief she seemed to lye also under the

1 " Chronicle of Queen Jane and Two Years of Queen Mary." Camden Society, 1849.

2 Berkeley MSS. Smyth's Lives of the Berkeley s, vol. ii, p. 236.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

Queen's Displeasure. However Her Majesty hearing of her great Sickness took
pity upon her and sent her a kind letter and £50 to buy her Apothecaries
Stuff together with which came another letter of Comfort from the Queen's
Secretary. With all which she sent Santon her messenger to Welles where
the Lady then lay. The Messenger came to her March the 21st, when she
had almost lost her Hearing, Sight and Speech and on which Day she died.
But as soon as the messenger had delivered his Message from the Queen, and
her Letters together with the Secretary's were read to her, she presently
recovered perfect Hearing, perfect Sight and a perfect Speech which con-
tinued with her until her Breath failed. She appointed in what Order
her Majesties Letter, and the Secretary's should be answered, and after she
had put her Hand to them, and with her own Hands taken and kissed and
delivered those letters, she presently died, with Memory, Speech, Sight, and
Hearing perfect until the last."1

Thomas V. Lord Berkeley settled upon his second son Maurice, brother of
the lady above-mentioned, inter alia, the manor of Mangotsfield. Thomas elder
brother of Maurice, who succeeded to the title and estates as Thomas VI,
married to his second wife Ann Savage, daughter of Sir John Savage of Frod-
sham in Cheshire, Knt., a lady of a temperament very suitable to her name.
Smyth says of her, " She was a lady of a masculine spirit, over-powerful with
her husband, seldom at rest with herself, never wanting matter of suit or dis-
content to work upon,"2 Her husband died before the birth of Henry his son
and heir, consequently there was a long minority under this turbulent, ferocious
lady. She endeavoured very soon after her husband's death to wrest from
Maurice Berkeley the Manor of Mangotsfield and other lands given him by his
father, which indeed her husband himself while alive, doubtless at her instisra-
tion, had claimed. Great contentions arose between them into which Sir
Nicholas Poyntz and Giles his brother were naturally drawn to take part Avith
their brother-in-law Maurice. Whilst these suits were proceeding in the courts of
law Maurice accompanied with his brother-in-law Nicholas Poyntz and Giles Poyntz
his brother, to worke despite to this lady, they, one night specially (as often
they did the like) with a riotous company of their servants and others, entered
her parke at Yate, and having havocked her deere at pleasure, swore amongst
themselves, they would, to fret and damage her the more, set the great hay
rick on fire, meaning a great rick of hay for winter provision inclosed with a
high pale at the stable end adjoyning to the house, wishing the fire might

1 Strype's " Annals of the Reformation," folio edition, 1725, p. 435.

2 Berkeley MSS., Smyth's Lives of the Berkeley^, vol. ii, p. 253.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

catch the house and burn the lady with her werish boy in the midst of it,
and then Maurice (quoth Giles Poynz) thou shall be heire and wee have an
■end of all our sutes. It chanced at the same time another company of hunters
to be in the same parke stealing also of the- ladies deere, who perceiving a
•stronger pack of theeves than themselves to bee in place and better provided,
had drawn themselves secretly to shelter under the said hay ricke, where, closely
standing and hearing what was said and determined, and fearing either to be
■descried or burned, presently ran away and fled, which being perceived by
Maurice and his company, and by them thought to be of the ladies family, and
such as shee and her keepers had drawn together, they also, as loth to be
descryed or taken, fled as fast another way ; and so by this chance was a
great danger prevented.1

Many other such riotous proceedings occurred, " not before practised I.
think," Smyth says, " since the lawles daies of Eobinhood, the remembrance of
many whereof are yet of fresh memory in those partes."2

Lady Berkeley was the Mrs. Anne Savage who was said to have borne
up the train of Anne Boleyne on her alleged private marriage with King
Henry VIII. She was soon afterwards herself married to the Lord Berkeley,
" a marriage which," Smyth says " seems to have been contrived by the said
Xing and Queen or one of them."3 Though the eventual marriage of the
parties did not turn out very satisfactorily, at least to the Queen, Lady Berkeley
Iiad naturally much influence with her old master, to whom, in this case, she
had recourse, " who granted her a special commission under the Great Seal to
enquire, hear and determine these riots and other misdemeanors, and made her
one of the Commissioners and of the quorum, whereupon she came to Glou-
cester and there sate on the Bench in the publique Sessions Hall, impanelled
a jury, received evidence, found Sir Nicholas Poynz and Maurice Berkeley and
their fellowes guilty of divers riotts and disorders, and fyned them."4

Sir Nicholas Poyntz died in 1556. His inquisition post mortem was taken
at Gloucester on 8th Jan., 1556-7. The jurors say that Eobert Poyntz, Knight,
grandfather of the said Nicholas, long- before his death was seized in his demesne
as of fee of the Manor of Iron Acton and enfeoffed Thomas Cardinal of England
and others by fine in Trinity Term 8th Henry VIII. for the payment of his
debts and carrying out the provisions of his last will, with remainder to his son
and heir Sir Anthony Poyntz and his heirs male. And the jurors say that the
said Anthony had issue the said Nicholas Poyntz, Knt., who had issue Nicholas

1 Berkeley MSS., Smyth's Lives of the Berkeley*, vol. p. 269.
2 Ibid. 3 Ibid, p. 252. 4 Ibid, p. 270,

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

Poyntz, and recites the marriage contract dated 12th May, 1st and 2nd Philip
and Mary (1555), between the said Nicholas, son and heir apparent of the afore-
said Nicholas and Johanna his wife, and Anne Yerney, one of the daughters of
Sir Ealph Verney,1 and they say further that the said Nicholas Poyntz, Knt.,
died [illegible] and that Nicholas Poyntz, Esq., is his son and nearest heir and
is aged 21 years and more.2 Sir Nicholas Poyntz made his will 26th Feb.,
1555-6. He names his son and heir Nicholas and his younger sons Francis,
Anthony, Edmund, and John, but not his two daughters Prances and Anne,
To his wife Dame Johan he gives his new house at Osilworth that standeth on
the hill and the parke during her life, remainder to his second son Prancis for
life. The will was proved by Johan Poyntz relict and executrix, 3rd July,,
1557.3

The manor of Ozleworth, the new house and park, which was bequeathed
by Sir Nicholas Poyntz to his wife Johan for life with remainder to his second
son Prancis for life, was, according to Atkyns, parcel of the possessions of the
Abbey of Kings wood, and was granted to Sir Nicholas Poyntz in 31st Henry
VIII, who died seized thereof 4th Philip and Mary, and his son Nicholas had
livery of the manor the same year and sold it to Sir Thomas Eivet, Alder-
man of London, and it was purchased from him by Sir Gabriel Low, also an
Alderman of London. Timothy Low his descendant was lord of the manor in
Atkyn's time, who hath he says " an handsome seat in this parish called
Newark ; it stands high and hath a good prospect : it was built by Sir Nicholas
Poyntz out of the ruins of Kingswood Abbey about a mile from the church."4

Prancis, second son of Nicholas Poyntz, held some office in the Court of
Queen Elizabeth. We know nothing of him beyond what is disclosed by certain
proceedings in Chancery, taken upon the complaint of William Plobbes of Lon-
don, yeoman, on 16th Nov. 1590. The complainant shewed that " whereas
Francis Poyntz of Thornbury, co. Glouc, Esq., and Ann his wife in January
1587, being then in London and serving for an Office in Court, for their better

1 The marriage of Sir Nicholas Poyntz with one of the two daughters of Sir Kalph Verney is
recorded on a monument in the middle of Clayton Church, co. Bucks. The other daughter married
Sir Francis Hynde, of Madingby, co. Cambridge, Knt. (" Topographer," vol. ii, p. 366.) Two of
these ladies' brothers were tried for their share in Dudley's conspiracy. (Verney Papers, Camden
Society.)

2 Inq. p.m., 3 and 4 Philip and Mary, Part i, jSTo. 51.

3 P.C.C., (22 Wrastley). Among the drawings by Hans Holbein in Windsor Castle is a portrait
of this Sir Nicholas Poyntz. It has been published in the volume of Historic Portraits of the
Court of Henry VIII.

4 Atkyn's History of Gloucestershire, p. 313.

.MEMOIR OF THE PAMILY OF POYNTZ.

maintenance, applied to the said complainant for a loan of money for defraying
the charge of dyett, &c, and offered to pawn a thing of good value which com-
plainant dissuaded them from, and for the goodwill and affection which he bears
to the said Francis and Ann did lend them £5 gratis, and afterwards at several
times 20s. making together £6, which "by their earnest promises, othes, and
vows should have been paid to complainant on the 30th June 1587 ; and after-
wards he lent them several sums amounting to the sum of £30 10s, which
they promised to pay long since but have failed to do so." Complainant
represents that he has made several journeys into Gloucestershire to obtain
payment and have employed divers to deale with the said Mr. Poyntz and
Anne, and have written many letters, and the said Mr. Poyntz will not be
spoken withall except when he pleases, and refuses to pay the said sums as in
equity he ought to do. But the said Mr. Poyntz being a man of 100 marks
land a-year or thereabouts with his said wife, regarding neither the payment
of the said debt, the good intention of the complainant, nor such favour
and credit as he should bear in his country, liveth with his wife in very
base and mean manner, and yet to the undoing of them both and spending of
their living, and by these means will be disabled to pay such debts, being also
altogether unwilling, of an ill mind, to pay the same, and prays redress.1 Francis
Poyntz married a certain Anne Stawker (? Cooke) Smyth says " dau. and heir
of ... and had issue Jone married to John "Wykes of Dodington, by
whom is much issue, dispersed into divers counties."2

Anthony Poyntz, third son of Sir Nicholas Poyntz, was admitted to the
Inner Temple November 1567. He would seem to have turned out a dis-
reputable character. In 1581 he is described as of Frampton, co. Gloucester,
Gent., and received a pardon for divers felonies. He was convicted with others
for the crime of having on 1st Nov. 1574 ill-treated and placed in much fear,
so that his life was despaired of, on the highway at Frampton Leas, co. Glouc,
one John Gurden, and having stolen from him feloniously £100 then on his
person of money belonging to a certain John Parsons ; also of a similar felony
of having stolen from Conan Parsons a like sum of £100 (Pat. Tested at
Westminster, 3rd May 1582.)3

Perhaps through the introduction of his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Heneage,
as a suitable person for the employment, he was with Eobert Dudley Earl of
Leicester on his expedition into the Low Countries as Lieutenant - General of
the Forces sent by Queen Elizabeth in 1585 to assist the United Provinces in their

1 Chancery Proceedings, Queen Elizabeth, 16th 'Nov., 1590.

2 Berkeley MSS., Smyth's Lives of flu; Berkeley*, vol. ii, p. 237.

3 Rot. Pat. 23rd Eliz., Part 3.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

great contest with Spain. On 17th March 1585-6 we find the Earl writing
to Secretary Walsingham complaining that Antony Point es, whom he had
employed to go into the enemy's camp, had been sent hj Walsingham into
Spain: "touching Pointes " he says, "of whom you write I am sory he is sent
any other waye. I delivered him an hundred poundes, and he promised me
to have gone into the enemyes camp." He was, however, at the Earl's elbow
for this portion of the letter is in his handwriting, and the Earl adds a post-
script in his own hand. He says, " I am forst to use a Secretary, but yet,
perhapps, you wyll not very plainly understand whome I meane ; hit ys Anto.
Poyntz, whom I sent over to gyve 3^011 knoledge how I had imployed him to
the enymyes camp, a matter of most nede for me, and I mervelled that I 'hav
never herd from [him] and within these iiij days my nephew Phillip1 told me he
received a letter from him that you had sent him into Spayne, whereof I am
hartyly sorry, having greatly dysapointyd me, having not one to suply that
place nowe, and a great tyme lost, also, that you dyd not at the first gyve me
knowledge of yt."2 Walsingham writing to Leycester 011 the 1st April excuses
himself by saying, " Towchyng the party that is gon to Spayne whome your
lordship wysshed rather to have been employed emongest the malcontentes, yt
grewe of himselfe, upon a conceypt that, being recommended by the Kyng of
Spayn unto the Prince of Parma he shall be the better able to serve your lord-
ships torne."3

Leicester's ambition and general conduct in the Netherlands gave very great
offence to the Queen, insomuch that she was on the point of recalling him in
disgrace. It required all the influence of Burleigh, Walsingham, and others of
her best trusted ministers and members of her council, to withdraw her from
her purpose, to the extent even of Burleigh threatening to resign his own office.
At this critical juncture arrived Poyntz, from Sir Thomas Heneage, bearing
letters to the Queen from the earl which appeased Her Majesty's wrath.
Burleigh writing to Leicester on 31st March 1586, says: — "She read your
letter, and, in very truth, I found her princly hart touched with favourable
interpretation of your actions."4 From this it would appear that Anthony
Po}mtz had not as yet departed upon his Spanish mission.

The special commission upon which Anthony Poyntz was employed would
seem to have been not only to Spain but also to Paris, indeed we possess no
distinct evidence that he was ever in Spain at all. In December 1586 we find
him in Paris as a spy upon Thomas Lord Paget and his son William, Francis

1 Sir Philip Sidney. 3 Ibid, p. 208.

2 Leycester Correspondence, Camden Society, p. 177. * Ibid, 198.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Throckmorton, one Morgan, and other gentlemen of the Eoman Catholic religion,
who in this year, being accused of conspiring to introduce foreign troops to
dethrone the Queen, privately withdrew to France. Their extradition having
been demanded from Francis I. and refused, the most unworthy means were
taken to entrap them, besides a close espyal of their actions, upon which Poyntz
was employed. Mendoza, the Spanish Ambassador, was also implicated in this
conspiracy and ordered to quit the realm, and he also was a fugitive in Paris
and under the surveillance of Poyntz.1

On the 15th December 1586, Poyntz thus reports his proceedings to Sir
Francis Walsingham.

" Eight Honble- I have written one letter unto you since my arrivall in this
town & lest the same should not come to your hands I do send this, the which
the berer hath promised to deliver. My sickness hath hindered me that I
cannot have so often access to such parsons as I would dele with notwith-
standing I have been twice in the Castillon with Morgon, & oftener would be,
yf I had my helth. I do find him a busie fellow although he be inclosed. I
have desired him, that yf he have any matters of importance in Ingland that
he wa trust me withall or els where I am. The like offar I have made to my
Lord Pagett, who tould me he had good affiance in me & said he thought I
would not be the mine of him and my cousin his son.2 I will not over much
prease him lest he suspect me, with Mendoza I will dele in like manner y* 1
maye to know their frinds in ingland, for doubtless they have good intelligens
from some persons of much account, and furcler herin will I be directed by
your Honour, & so with humble dutie I leve your Honour to the tuition of the
Almighty."3 Paris, 15 .December, 1586.

Again he writes to Sir Francis Walsingham four clays later desiring Sir
Francis to pay twenty-five crowns, which he had been obliged to borrow in his
sickness— "if I escape this sickness," he says, "I trust to deserve it, & so with
my humble dutie I bave }~r Honour to the tuition of Almighty God." 19
December, 1586.4

We do not know if Anthony Poyntz married or left issue, nor we do
know the date of his death.

1 Camden's Life and Eeign of Queen Elizabeth. Kenneth "White's Collection, vol. ii., p. 497.

2 Margaret Poyntz, aunt of Francis, married Sir John Newton, whose daughter Lazaret became the
wife of Thomas Lord Paget and the mother of his son, so thai Anthony Poyntz and Lord Paget's
son were first cousins once removed.

* Harl MSS. 286. 56-57.
4 Ibid.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

William Poyntz, sixth son of Sir Nicholas Poyntz, Of this gentleman we
know nothing beyond what appears from the following letters, which will speak
for themselves.

"From William Poyntz to my Honble Friend Mr. Francis Bacon, Esq.,
Twickenham Park.1

" Sr Altho I never desired this favour at your hands but only that I have
ever loved you and all yr Brothers, yet in respect of the good will I am assured
you do bear unto Mr. Vice Chamberlain and my sister his wife I am bold in
this matter of small importance to earn your friendship. If my little suit may
effect I do assure you, Mr. Bacon, by all the due conditions of a gentleman
you shall find- your courtesy well bestowed and my noblest and meanest friends
shall thanke you for my sake. I came from London this afternoon more happily
than I thought I should have done & Sir Thomas Heneage & sister were both
in their glory at Copt Hall. For my great good in a matter I must speedily
ride as far as my Lord Chandos' house and my horse follers me. I am in this
place a stranger. For my friends sake whom you love, & for my names sake,
good Mr. Francis Bacon, send your footman, or some other presently unto me
with 40s. and lend it to me for 6 or 7 days till I return. I will God willing,
myself bring it unto you, to Twickenham Park, and you shall see it is done
for a gentleman that loves your name faithfully. I will let your courtesy done
me in this strange place and at this pinch be known in the best place of England
and to such as you do most honour and respect. Good Mr. Bacon, because
yourself & Mr. Nicholas Bacon your Brother, did ever love me, when I was with
my Lord of Leicester, send one presently unto me, for I must needs ride 15
miles on my way to night and try my deserts to you, and if I live when . . .
I take my leave in hast.

"At Hounslow wheare I stay: the 8th of July 1593.

" Your loving friend to command,

"William Poyntz."2

Sir Nicholas Poyntz of Iron Acton, son and heir of Sir Nicholas Poyntz
by his wife Joan Berkeley, was born about 1535, as appears from his will dated
22nd June 1585, in which he describes himself as about fifty years of age, and
this agrees pretty closely with the inquisition taken on 8th January 3rd and 4th
Philip and Mary (1556-7) in which he is found to be of the age of twenty-one
years and more. He makes, so far as we are aware, no figure in the history

1 Francis Bacon at Twickenham Park. Memorials of Twickenham by K. S. Cobbett, 226-227.
a Sloane MSS., 4111, vol. iii, 7.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

of the country, as most of his ancestors had done, but apparently lived a quiet
life in his own county.

In the Star Chamber Proceedings of 27th Elizabeth (1584) we find certain
Interrogatories addressed to a certain A. Neale in respect to a suit brought
against him by Sir Nicholas Poyntz for trespass in his park at Iron Acton about
Christmas tide 25th Elizabeth, and at other times subsequently, and there hunting,
killing, and flaying the deer in the said park. The result of the suit does not
appear.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz died at Iron Acton 1st September 1585, and in the
Inquisition taken at Wotton under Edge on the 11th April following, it was
found by the jury that long before his death he was seized in his demesne as
of fee of the manors of Iron Acton, Acton Ilger, Tockington and Hill in the-
county of Gloucester, and being so seized he obtained a Royal licence to alienate
the said manors to Thomas Throckmorton, Matthew Poyntz and others to hold
to the uses following, to wit : — to the use of himself the said Nicholas for the
term of his life and after his death to such uses as he might appoint under his
sign and seal during his life, and that the said Thomas Throckmorton and the
others should stand seized of the manors of Hill and Tockington to the use of
John Poyntz, Esq., son and heir of the said Nicholas, and the heirs male of the
said John. In default to the heirs male of the body of the said Nicholas, in
default to the use of the right heirs of the said Nicholas for ever ; and further
that the said manor of Iron Acton and Acton Ilger, &c, by his writing under
his seal he appointed to the use of the Lady Margaret then his wife for the
term of her life, and after her decease to the use of his said son John Poyntzr
with the same remainders as before stated ; and the jurors further say that
the said Lady Margaret is still living at Iron Acton, and that the aforesaid
John Poyntz is son and next heir of the said Nicholas, and is aged 25 years,
and more.

This Inquisition is of considerable interest as regards the Manor of Tockington,.
the most ancient inheritance of the family of Poyntz. We have seen (ante p.
26) that Sir Nicholas Poyntz of Cory Malet sold in 29 Edw. III. whatever
interest he had in it to Thomas III. Lord Berkeley, and the said Thomas, who
died 27th Oct. 1361, left this manor, inter alia, to his son and heir Maurice, but
it does not appear among the manors and lands of which this Maurice, known
as the fourth Lord of his name, died seized, so that he must have alienated it,,
but we have not at present any record of the fact. By whom this Manor
was held subsequently we have no information but it was towards the end of the
sixteenth century the residence of one Maurice Hill, Esq., who married Margaret

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

youngest daughter of Ki chard Dennis, Esq., son and heir of Sir Walter
Dennis, Knt., son and heir of Sir William Dennis of Dinham, Knt., by Anne only
daughter of Maurice Lord Berkeley, the fifth of that name, who died in 1506.'
And it appears from the Inquisition taken after the death of Edward Poyntz,
eldest son of Sir Nicholas of whom we are writing, that Sir Nicholas Poyntz
his grandfather was seized in his demesne as of fee of all that Park called
Tockington Park, in the parish of Olveston, in co. Gloucester, which he had
lately acquired of Eichard Loughton and Mary his wife, and, being so seized,
by Indentures dated 21st July 23rd Elizab. (1581), conveyed the said messuage
to trustees to the use of Nicholas Poyntz his son for the term of his life, with
remainder to Margaret his wife during her widowhood, and then to the use of
the said Edward Poyntz, second son of the said Nicholas, and the heirs male of
his body, in default of such issue remainder to Hugh Poyntz and the heirs
male of his body and divers remainders over.2 As is shewn above Sir
Nicholas Poyntz died seized of the whole manor it is concluded that Sir Nicholas
his father acquired it from Eichard Loughton though the Park only was
settled under the Indenture of 23rd Elizabeth.

There is an Indenture dated 28th October 21st James (1623), between Nicholas
Poyntz of Tockington Park in Olveston, Esq., of the one part, and T. Middlemore
of Eotherfeld, co. Sussex, and Eichard Staunton of Cirencester, co. Glouc, of
the other part. Nicholas Poyntz for £100 grants all that one capital messuage
in Tockington Park called The Lodge, and late in the tenure of Edward
Poyntz, Esq., and all Tockington Park and all lands etc. which Nicholas Poyntz,
grandfather of the said Nicholas Poyntz, did in his life time purchase of one
Eichard Loughton and Mary his wife, to hold &c. during the life time of the
said Nicholas Poyntz — if the said Nicholas Poyntz, his heirs &c. shall tender and
pay &c. to T. Middlemore and E. Staunton, or one of them, on the Pont stone
in the Temple Church, London, between two and five of the clock in the after-
noon at or before the 2nd February next, the sum of one shilling this Indenture
shall be void.

We have already alluded (p. 75), in referring to the Inquisition post mortem
of his father, to the contract for the marriage of this Nicholas with Ann the
daughter of Sir Ealph Yerney. By this lady he had three children : —

1. John Poyntz his son and heir, of whom presently.

2. Ursula who appears to have died unmarried.

3. Mary, who was twice married. Her first husband was Francis Cod-

1 Berkeley MSS. Lives of the Berkeleys, -vol. ii, p. 180.

2 Inq. 16th June, 11th James, Chan. Miscel., Part 15, STo. 61.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

rington, son of Giles Coclrington of Didmarton, co. Glouc, by Isabel Porter, by
whom she had one child named Mary who married first Edward Bromwich, and
secondly John Sydenham of Nympsfield, younger brother of Sir John Sydenham
of Brimpton, co. Somerset, whom she survived, and whose will she proved 5th
January 1590-1. She was herself buried at Iron Acton on 7th October
following, and her will was proved on 4th February 1591-2. From this will
it appears that she held a lease for a term of years of the Eectory and Par-
sonage of Iron Acton which she bequeathed to Mary and Elizabeth, daughters
of her cousin John Berkeley. By her second marriage Mary Poyntz had four
daughters, Ann, Ursula, Elizabeth and Margaret.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz married secondly Margaret Stanley, daughter by his
second wife of Edward third Earl of Derby, whose splendour and eminent
services are eulogised by Camden and other his contemporaries. She was the
relict of John Jermyn of Eushbrook, co. Somerset, by whom she had no issue.
By this lady Sir Nicholas Poyntz had issue : — 1, Edward, born in 1575 ; 2, Hugh,
born 1578; 3, Eobert, born 1580.

Edward Poyntz, the eldest son of the second marriage, matriculated at
Magdalen College, Oxford, 25th October 1588, then aged thirteen years, as the
son of a knight of Gloucestershire. We have seen that he inherited Tockington
Park,1 where he resided for some time, and afterwards settled at Caerleon, co.
Monmouth. He was twice married, first to Florence, daughter of John Jones
of Treowen, co. Monmouth. His second wife was named Mary, but we know
not her parentage. He had four children — 1, Nicholas; 2, John; 3, Ann;
4, Mary.

A suit in Chancery arose between him and his brother Sir John Poyntz.
Chancery suits generally throw great light on family affairs, and in this case
does not fail to do so. In his petition to the court Edward Poyntz recites that
Sir Nicholas Poyntz his father was seized to him and his heirs male of the manors
of Iron Acton, Acton Ilger, Lateridge, Frampton Cotterell, Hill, Tockington, &c,
and had issue Sir John Poyntz his eldest son by a former wife, and having then
to wife Dame Margaret, daughter of Edward Earl of Derby, by whom he had
three younger sons, viz., Edward, Hugh and Eobert, and taking into consideration
the security and quiet of Dame Margaret, with whom he had great substance,
and the preferment of his said three sons, desired to entail his lands upon them
and their heirs male, after his own death, if the said John should die s.p., and
to this end bound himself in a statute bond of great value to some of the friends

1 In 1599 Edward Poyntz, Esq., suffered a fine of lands in Tockington to John Jones, Esq.
probably in connection with this marriage. Ped. Fin., 41st Elizab. Trinity.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

of Dame Margaret, and caused his son Sir John Poyntz to enter into a statute
bond of £10,000, which was defeased, that if Dame Margaret should survive him
she should enjoy for the term of her life the manor of Iron Acton, &c,
according to certain indentures cited, previously made ; and also that she
should enjoy all the tithes of the parsonage of Iron Acton for a term of
years as had been before assigned to her use, without any hindrance of
John Poyntz. Also that John Poyntz, within two years after the death of
his father, should pay £500 as Sir Nicholas Poyntz should appoint by his will,
and also that Hugh and Eobert Poyntz, his sons, should enjoy all messuages
limited and expressed in an indenture made before the acknowledgment of the
said statute. After that Sir Nicholas Poyntz made his will, dated 22nd June
1585, and gave the education of his three sons to Lady Margaret, and appointed
them his executors, providing that if Lady Margaret should die before they
reached the age of twenty-four years, then William Veale, Eobert Chambers,
Maurice Torre, and Gyles Dymerie should be executors until they attained that
age ; and that if these executors should extend the statute they should have
£400 and the residue to remain to his three sons. The will was proved by
Lady Margaret, who not long after made her own will and appointed Edward
Poyntz executor, and died. He thereupon proved the will and became entitled
to all the interest his mother had under her husband's will, and ought to enjoy
the tithes, &c. of Iron Acton, but Sir John Poyntz has interrupted therein,,
and hath failed to pay the £500 bequeathed under his father's will.

He alleged also that Sir John Poyntz became further indebted to him for
divers goods which he had of him and divers sums of money lent unto him to
the amount of £500 which Edward Poyntz gently required of him, but could
never get, though he paid the use of the same to others.

He further alleged that Sir John had done grievous wrongs unto him and
has forfeited the statute of £10,000, the extension of which he, Edward Poyntz,
had procured at a cost of £200.

Sir John Poyntz being greatly indebted to divers persons amounting to
£10,000 for which many of his friends and neighbours entered into bonds,,
whereby he greatly endangered himself and encumbered his estate, and so was
enforced to convey the manor of Hill to one Henry Fleetwood, Esq.1 The friends
did entreat Edward Poyntz to assign his interest therein. Sir John having only
one son, Eobert, yet living, Edward consented to do so. Sir John however,

'In 1604 Sir John Poyntz, Knt., and others suffered a fine in the manor of Hull or Hill, to
George Huntley, Esq., and others. This was perhaps by way of mortgage. Ped. Fin. 2nd James,
Easter.

.MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

without Edward's knowledge, leased the manor of Tockington to George Smythes,
■of London, Gent., for twenty-one years at a small rent.1 This he opposed and
was threatened with a suit in Chancery, &c. Sir John being further indebted
to Her Majesty and other persons had no means to redeem the said lease or
pay his debts, and he Edward did not resist the sale of Tockington to Nicholas
Dymerie, who gave the sum of £2700 for it, and Sir John has lately mortgaged
the manor of Iron Acton to Nicholas Dymerie which he is not able to redeem.

Eobert Poyntz combines with Sir John Poyntz and Lady Grissel now his
wife, the said Eobert having married the daughter of the said Lady Grissel,
and is dwelling with Sir John Poyntz and claims £1000 as due to him.

Sir John Poyntz in his answer, swcrn at Iron Acton 25th January 9th James,
states that he hath two male heirs now living, who only, and none other, are
dampnified by his sale of lands. He averreth that he hath never interfered
with the joincture of Dame Margaret, nor impeached the estate left by Sir
Nicholas Poyntz to his younger sons; that he hath paid Edward Poyntz £700
for the household stuff, &c, by him bought of the executors of Sir Nicholas
Poyntz, and denies that he owes him any sum of money whatever.2

The Earl of Salisbury wrote to John Osborne, Lord Treasurer's Eemembrancer,
on 'JOth July 1609, directing him to make out commissions to enquire as to the
goods of, inter alia, Edward Poyntz of Thockington, co. Glouc, a recusant, the
benefit of whom was granted to Sir John Cowper.3 Perhaps this was the
same gentleman who is mentioned by Foley as the Mr. Poyntz dwelling in the
Forest of Dean and brother of Sir John Poyntz, who was reported by the
Sheriff of Herefordshire as keeping in his house two Jesuit priests, and as
being himself altogether Jesuited.4

We have already given some account of the marriage of Edward Poyntz
of Caerleon, and the names of his issue. He made his will (nuncupative) on
3rd October 1613, in which he mentions all his children. Some few of the
bequests may be just noticed. To his eldest son Nicholas Poyntz, his best suit
of apparel, his guilded sword and dagger, with his guilded spurs, and the tester
of a bed, redd, yellow and green colours, embroidered with the eagle and child
(the Stanley crest), nine table pictures of kings, queens, and such like ; to Mary
his wife a greate table picture, being his own portraiture. These articles, we

i In 1605 Sir John Poyntz and others suffered a fine in the manor of Tockington to William
Berblock and others, and in the same term he suffered a fine in the manor of Iron Acton to
Thomas Staunton and others. Ped. Pin. 3rd James, Trinity.

1 Chancery Proceedings James I., Bundle 9, No. 54, Edward Poyntz versus Sir John Poyntz.

3 State Papers, Domestic, vol. xlvii, No. 43.

4 Foley's Jesuits, vol. iv, p. 371.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

conceive, were a portion of the household stufFe, &c. which he purchased of
the executors of the will of his father Sir Nicholas Poyntz, mentioned by his
brother Sir John, as stated above. Will proved 10th September 1615 (81 Eudd).

Nicholas Poyntz, eldest son of Edward Poyntz of Caerleon, settled at Penrose
in Monmouthshire. He was twice married. His first wife was .... daughter -7^^
of Talbot Badger. He married secondly Jeonett, relict of John Ei chard Edmunds. ^>^^J
He left three sons, Eowland, John, and Nicholas, of whom the two elder, at ^^7-,
least, were by his first wife. .

Eowland Poyntz the eldest son was of Llanarth, co. Mod mouth, but he (J-e^. >
appears from certain proceedings in Chancery in 16961 to have been then jftt^
resident in the town of Monmouth, and there is a Chancery decree relating to
him dated 20th December 1699. He was a party to other Chancery proceedings ^tc^
in 1701 but they are not of much interest beyond the identification of his /ffus*+.
children, for which purpose we propose to use them in the tabular pedigree ^ '.Ji**
hereafter. He was thrice married, but we have no knowledge of his first wife <^^t ,
beyond the fact of her existence, and she died without issue. Bridget Eobnett, (surz*-*-
whom he married in 1642, is described in the Chancery proceedings referred Afa. t
to above as his second wife. She died about 1649, and a certain Margaret
is described as his third wife. He left two sons, Nicholas by his second wife
and Eowland by his third.

We do not know the exact date of the death of Eowland Poyntz, the elder,
but it must have been soon after 1650. On the 18th January 1653-4, Sir
Eobert Poyntz, Knt., petitioned the Committee for Compositions, at Haberdasher
Hall, stating that he had a kinsman, one Eowland Poyntz, of Llanarth, co.
Mon., Gent., lately deceased who left one son Nicholas Poyntz, an infant, who is
about eight years of age, to enjoy his estate, which estate is under sequestration
by reason that the infant's father was a popish recusant but never in arms, and
the said Eowland within two years last past took the oath of abjuration before
the Committee of sequestration.2 Sir Eobert prays that the said infant may be
discharged from the burden of sequestration, who had nothing of his father's
estate but what fell unto him by the death of his mother, who was an heir, and
after the death of his said mother the infant was admitted tenant to the estate,
being customary land within the lordship of Goldcliffe, Monmouthshire. Margaret
Poyntz, mother and guardian of Eowland, also petitioned on his behalf,
representing that the estate being copyhold is held in right of Bridget, then
wife of Eowland Poyntz of Llanarth, who died about four years since, and

1 Collins 550.

2 The date of the oath of abjuration of Eowland Poyntz, of Llanarth, was 17th April, 1651.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

fell by his death to Nicholas Poyntz her son. Afterwards Eowland Poyntz
married Margaret his second wife, and conveyed the residue of his estate to
the petitioner Eowland Poyntz. We do not know the result.

John Poyntz, the second son of Nicholas Poyntz of Penrose, was a man
of a base and despicable character. In the Civil War he attached himself to
the Parliamentary party, from whom he claimed certain arrears of pay which
he was unable to obtain. On 16th June 1652 he brought a suit in the
exchequer against James Coxe and John Thomas. He pleaded that Jeannette
Poyntz (his own stepmother) whom he affirmed to be a Papist, and who died
eight years previously, made her will and appointed John Thomas her executor,
he being her nephew and next of kin. He renounced in favour of John
Coxe. It appears that John Poyntz was indebted in £40 to the estate of Mr.
Poyntz, and that these proceedings were taken to avoid the payment, he
averring that in consequence of his stepmother's recusancy the estate lapsed
to the Commonwealth. It is satisfactory to know that he did not succeed.
It was decided that the estate was due to the Commissioners of sequestration,
and he being unable to pay the amount due from him was imprisoned.

We find a petition from him dated the 21st August 1655 addressed to the
Protector He represents that he held the degree of captain, and that his three
sons had served faithfully for ten years in England, Scotland, and Ireland, that
he had due to him £240 of arrears, that he had spoilt his estates in long looking
after it till he was forced for want of it to trail a pike under Colonel Ingleby
ever since June 15th last twelvemonths, and begged that the Haberdashers' Hall
Committee might be ordered to examine in his presence some persons who held
concealed moneys and give him an allowance to pay what he claimed. The persons
he denounced were Mary Morgan, Caerleon, Papist, John George of Llanerhangal,
John Thomas and James Coxe, who have seized the estate of Jeanette Poyntz,
widow and a Papist, who died without children.

We shall not follow this worthless character further, suffice it to say that
after the Eestoration he got himself appointed the Deputy of the Clerk Controller
of the Bevels of England.1

We must now revert to Hugh Poyntz, the second son of Sir Nicholas
Poyntz, who was born in 1578-9. He matriculated at Magdalen Hall, Oxford,
22nd October 1591 as the son of a knight in Gloucestershire, then aged twelve
years. He died on the 11th and was buried at Icon Acton on the 13th March
1604-5, aged twenty-six, s.p. He made his will on the 9th March 1604-5, in
which he describes himself as Hugh Poyntz of Tockington Park. In it he names,

i Brit. Mus. Addl. MSS. 19, 256.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

his brother Eobert Poyntz, to whom he gives his sword hatched with silver ;
his neice, Mrs. Dorothy Peny ; his sister in law, Mrs. Mary Poyntz ; Elizabeth
Pointz, his neice, daughter of his brother Sir John Pointz, and his brother
Edward, whom he appoints residuary legatee and executor.1

Eobert Poyntz, third son of Sir Nicholas Poyntz and Lady Mary Stanley,
was born in 1580. Matriculated at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, 22nd October
1591 with his brother, ap-ed ten. He was twice married, but whether or not
he left any issue does not appear. His first wife's name was Ann, and he married
secondly, at Iron Acton on 17th December 1627, Elizabeth daughter of William
Walsh. She was a native of that parish, having been baptized there on
3rd December 1609, and she was there buried 12th January 1631-2.

Sir John Poyntz, son and heir of Sir Nicholas Poyntz in 1586, presented to
the Eectory of Iron Acton, as he did again in 1593. On 1st February
30th Elizabeth (1588) the Queen granted the whole Forest and Chase of Exmore
and the custody of the same, with all fees, rents, pensions, and other its
appurtenances to John Poyntz of Iron Acton, Esq., Elizabeth his wife, and
Elizabeth their daughter, for their several lives, at the animal rent of £46 13s. 4d.
per annum. This grant was confirmed on 1st November 1588 in the Letters
Patent for which he is described as " Knight." Sir John Poyntz was Sheriff
of Gloucestershire in 1591, and in the same year he was appointed Surveyor
General of the Duchy of Lancaster, and in the following year was returned to
Parliament as one of the knights for the shire of Gloucester. In 1597 he
purchased the castle and manor of Beverston of John Berkeley, Esq., but he
soon afterwards sold it again to Henry Fleetwood, Master of the Court of Wards.
On the 18th June 1612-3 he was appointed by Privy Seal to be Chamberlain
of the Exchequer. Madox says the Chamberlain seems anciently to have had
the custody of keys belonging to the coffers of the Tallies.2 In 1617 he petitioned
the king for the farm of the Fines and Eecognizances, &c, to be levied by
Green Wax summons of the Pixe and other processes, and stated that he is
willing to give the average profit and 500 marks per annum additional.

Sir John Poyntz was married four times. First, in 1578, to Ursula,
daughter of Sir John Sydenham of Brimpton co. Somerset, by Grace daughter
of Sir William Godolphin, by whom he had no issue. He married secondly,
in 1582, Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Sydenham of Luxborough co. Somerset,
cousin of the aforesaid Sir John Sydenham, by Ann Sydenham sister of the
said Sir John, by whom he had issue: 1, Dorothy; 2, Elizabeth; 3, Frances;
4, Eobert (afterwards Sir Eobert Poyntz son and heir) ; 5, Hugh ; 6, Nicholas ;
' Prob. 18th June 1605 (38 Hayes). 2 Hist, of the Exchequer, Chap, xxiv, Sec. 10.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

and 7, John. Dame Elizabeth died in childbed, and was buried in St. Margaret's,
Westminster, 7th December 1595.

Sir John Poyntz married thirdly, Prances, daughter of John Newton, Esq.,
second son of Sir John Newton of Barr's Court, co. Gloucester, by whom he
had no issue.

He married fourthly, at St. Olave's, Hart Street, London, on 2nd June 1600,
Grissell Eoberts, daughter of Walter Koberts of Glassenbury co. Kent, Esq.,
(relict, successively of Gervase Gibbons, and Gregory Price of Dormington,
Herefordshire, Esq.), by whom he had issue : 1, Frances ; 2, Ann ; 3, Mary ;
4, Nicholas ; (5, Charles ? ).

There is nothing special to be stated in regard to the numerous issue of Sir
John Poyntz, except as regards Eobert who succeeded him, of whom presently,
and Charles of whom hereafter, beyond what will appear in the tabular pedigree.
Sir John Poyntz was buried at Iron Acton, on 29th November, 1633. We are
unable to find any Inquisition post mortem, Will, or Letters of Administration to
his effects. We have already seen from the suit of his brother Edward that he
was in pecuniary embarrassment in 1612. Previously to this in January 1609-10
one Edmund Mollineux and Ursula his wife exhibited a bill in Chancery against
him concerning a legacy bequeathed to Ursula by her father John Sydenham
of Nympsfield, Gent., and her mother Mary Sydenham. Sir John admitted his
indebtedness as executor, and was ordered to pay the amount, but being unable
to pay the full sum, he agreed under a bond of £700 to pay £10 per annum to
Ursula for every £100 due to her, and to pay interest on £360 to Edmund
Mollineux. On some hard occasion he failed to fulfil this obligation, and incurred
the forfeiture of the bond. Edmund Mollineux served Sir John with a writ of
execution and he was imprisoned.1 In another Chancery suit in 1619 he was
arrested on a bond for £100. In these circumstances it is probable that he died
intestate and insolvent, and that his heirs entered upon his settled estates, and
as these were not held in capite no Inquisition post mortem was necessary.
Sir John Poyntz was buried at Iron Acton on 29th November 1633, and was
succeeded by his son and heir.

Sir Eobert Poyntz was the son of Sir John Poyntz by his second wife
Elizabeth Sydenham, was baptized at Iron Acton on 26th October 1588,
and matriculated from Brazenose College, Oxford, on 15th March 1604-5 as son
of a knight of Gloucestershire. He is stated to have been then aged fifteen
years, but he would appear to have been over sixteen years of age. Anthony
Wood states that he studied at one of the Temples and wrote The Vindication
1 Chancery Proceedings, Bund. 14, Xo. 5, Poyntz v. Mollineux.

POYNTZ OF IKON ACTON.

of the Monarchy in 1651. He was made a Knight of the Bath in February
1625, on the coronation of King Charles I. In this year he was elected one of
the Knights for the shire of Gloucester, and in 1629 was appointed one of the
Commissioners for assessing the subsidy, his colleague being John Smyth of
Mbley.1 He served the office of Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1637.

Sir Eobert Poyntz was twice married. His first wife, whom he married at
Iron Acton, on 13th June 1604, was Frances, the eldest daughter and coheir
of Gervase Gibbons of " The Pump " in Benenden, co. Kent, by Grissell Eoberts
(who married secondly, Gregory Price, and thirdly, Sir John Poyntz father of
Sir Eobert), and at the time of her marriage was under sixteen years of age.
Her two sisters and coheirs Elinor and Grissell who married respectively,
Elinor, and Grissell, Sir John Lawrence of Iver, co. Bucks,

created a Baronet in 1628. Several Chancery suits arose between the parties
concerning the coheirs' estates, in one of which, in Easter term, 1636 Sir Eobert
Poyntz was guilty of some rudeness to the judge, Sir Eichard Hutton, and the
Lords of the Council directed the Warden of the Fleet to take into his custody
the person of Sir Eobert, and to keep him in prison until further order.
Upon his expression of sorrow for his indiscreet carriage towards Justice
Hutton, and Sir Eichard having received an apology from him, the Lords
directed that he should be restored to liberty.2

On 14th January 1638 Sir Eobert Poyntz, K.B., and Edward Eidge,
Alderman of London, were appointed for the management of the Lottery
authorized by the King for the use of the acpieduct undertaken by Sir Edward
Stradling, Sir Walter Eoberts and others.

Sir Eobert Poyntz married to his second wife, Cicely Smith, by whom he
had an only son named John, who succeeded him. Sir Eobert Poyntz made
his will, "written with my own hand," on 12th June 1653, in which after
declaring his allegiance to his sovereign, and thanking God for his preservation
in the " orthodoxall " faith and religion formerly established in the Church of
England, he bequeaths liberal sums of money to the poor of several parishes,
and gives legacies to several persons, and all his books, manuscripts, and papers
to his son John, to be carefully kept and preserved until he shall accomplish
the age of twenty years ; he constitutes his wife the Lady Cicely his executrix
and residuary legatee, who proved his will on 12th July 1660. 3

1 Berkeley MSS. Vol. Ill, fo. 9.

"'State Papers, Domestic, Cli. I., May 1637, vol. ccelv. 79, 90, 105, 125.
;JP.C.C (151 Mico).
N

90 MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Though Sir Eobert Poyntz states in his will that he had maintained his
loyalty to his sovereign he does not appear to have taken any active steps in
the King's defence. His lands, however, were sequestrated on a charge of
delinquency in that he had deserted his house and dwelt in Bristol whilst it
was a garrison for the King. It was also charged against him that he had
neither taken the covenant nor the negative oath. The proceedings in this
case reveal to us the value at this time of his estate. It is stated that he
was seized of an estate for life as tenant by courtesy after the death of Dame
Frances his wife, deceased, of certain lands in Benenden, Tenterden, and
Eolvenden in Kent, of the annual value of £74. That by virtue of several
conveyances by him made upon the marriages of Margaret and Grissell his two
daughters and heirs, whereof Margaret married Thomas Gorges, Esq., in 1623, and
Grissell married Thomas Porter, Esq., in 1640, he is seized of a free tenement
for life, remainder of the two several moieties to his said two daughters, their
husbands and their issue in tail, remainder in fee to his own right heirs. It is
also stated that he was seized of the manor of Iron Acton with appurtenances
of the yearly value, before the wars, the demesne and the park £80, and in
old rents £50. It is further stated that he hath also a park of coarse
wet grounds of 100 acres, never let for any rent but kept still for deer, value
about £25. He was never in arms, and hath the articles of the surrender
of Bristol, and his Excellency's the Lord General's pass thereupon.1

Sir John Poyntz, only son of Sir Eobert Pojmtz, by his second wife Cecily
Smith, was born in 1645. He matriculated at Oxford as from Oriel College,
on 22nd July 1658, aged thirteen, described as the eldest son of a Knight.
He himself received the honour of Knighthood on 24th February 1665-6. On
7th July following a warrant was issued for creating him a Baronet, but it
does not appear to have proceeded any further, why we know not. Possibly
Sir John in his pecuniary circumstances declined the honour through prudence,
though prudence was not one of his virtues, for he seems to have been as
reckless in his affairs as his father and his grandfather had been, and got himself
entangled in several Chancery suits. Sir Eobert Poyntz his father by an
assurance in law, in November 17th Charles II., conveyed to trustees the
mansion house, gardens, &c, of Iron Acton, and a moiety of the manor to the
use of himself for life, and after his death to the use of Cecily Lady Poyntz
for her life, with remainder to his son John Poyntz and his heirs, and the
other moiety to his said son. In this year (1666) this moiety was claimed in

1 Royal. Comp. Papers, 2nd Series, vol. xxxvii, fo. 197.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

Chancery by one Ei chard Hastings, Esq., who it is alleged sometimes styled
himself Knight and at other times Baronet, who had married Margaret one of
the sisters of the half blood of Sir John Poyntz in virtue of, as alledged, a deed of
settlement as security for the payment to the said Margaret of £1000 which
Sir John had failed to pay. What the result of the suit was does not appear,
but a private Act of Parliament was passed in this year for settling the moiety
of the manor of Iron Acton upon Sir John Poyntz, and Sir Eichard Hastings,
whose title of Baronet is admitted by Courthope, died circa 1668, s.p. In 1673
a patent was granted to one Eustace Brown of Westminster, Gent., for using and
exercising a new invention and art of making of French or Pearl Barley, which
on 13th August, 14th Charles II., was assigned to Sir John Poyntz and others.
Afterwards a part of this patent was assigned to one Edward Nelthorpe of
London, Merchant, of whom Sir John Poyntz complained in Chancery in 1673
that the said Nelthorpe had not rendered him any account.

In 1666 Sir John Poyntz married Ann, daughter of Eobert Csesar of
Williams, co. Kent, he being then of the age of twenty-four, and she of
eighteen years.

By this lady he had no issue, and by his will dated 23rd April 1680
demised to her his capital messuage with appurtenances of Iron Acton and all his
lands and manors whatsoever in the several parishes of Iron Acton, Acton Ilger,
Frampton Cotterell, and Lattesedge to her sole use for ever, provided,
nevertheless, that if his nephew John Poyntz Porter, Esq., should within two
years after testator's death pay and clear off all mortgages &c, and should by
conveyance or deed assure unto the said Dame Ann Poyntz the annual sum
of £300 for her natural life, the said devise should be to the sole use of the said
John Poyntz Porter and his heirs, and in default of such heirs to the joint
use of " His Grace James Duke of Ormond, my most noble and honorable
kinsman, and of my kinsman George Penny of Penny Toller, co. Dorset, Esq."

Sir John Poyntz died in October following, on the 17th of which month
he was buried at Iron Acton, and his will was proved by his relict, on the'
20th December 1680.1 Thus the senior branch of this ancient house, after an
honourable existence in England for upwards of six centuries, and of the
possession of the manor of Iron Acton for more than 350 years, to say
nothing of its previous possession by their ancestors the Actons, became
impoverished, and the second time extinct in the direct male line.

By deeds dated respectively on 23rd May 1682 and 15th September 1682,
James Duke of Ormond and George Penne of Toller, Esq., in consideration of

P.C.C. (170 Bath.)

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

a nominal sum paid to them by Lady Ann Poyntz, released and confirmed to
the said Lady Ann by indenture of bargain and sale the manor of Iron Acton
with all its appurtenances, to hold to her and her heirs for ever (inrolled in
Chancery Eot. Claus. 35th Charles II. Pari. 15.)

John Poyntz Porter did not pay off the incumbrances and acquire the
manor, and within a short time it was sold by Dame Ann Poyntz to one William
Player, Esq.;1 nevertheless she retained in fee some tenements therein, and by
deed dated 17th June 1726 inrolled in Chancery, in which she is described
as of Watford, co. Herts., in conjunction with certain her trustees, in con-
sideration of the love and affection which she had for her niece Juliana Gage,
and for her nephew Julian Eampayne, demised to the trustees before alluded
to such tenements for the lives of the said Dame Ann Poyntz and Juliana
Gage, in trust to pay the interest of £200 to the mortgagee of the said
premises, and to apply the residue to the use of such persons as the said
Dame Ann Poyntz by any writing should appoint, and then to the sole use
of Julian Eampayne. Dame Ann Poyntz, then described of Watford, widow,
made her will on 10th February 1728-9, and after bequeathing some trifling
legacies devised the whole residue of her estate to the aforesaid Julian
Eampayne, who proved her will on 5th June 1730. 2 She died on 23rd June
1729, and was buried at St. Katherine's Church, Eegent's Park, London, where
monuments to her and her sister, bearing the following touching inscriptions,
yet remain.

Here lyetli the Lady Ann, Widow of Sir John Poyntz of Iron Acton in the County of
Gloucester, who died June 23nl 1729. Her Great Grandfather was Sir Charles Caesar
of Bennington Place in the County of Herts, Kir*. Master of the Rolls to King Charles
I, whose Father was Sir Julius Caesar Master of Requests, and Judge of the Admiralty
to Q. Elizabeth, Chancellor and Under Treasurer of the Exchequer, and Master likewise

i William Player almost immediately resold the manor to Sir Simon Astry, who devised it to
his widow, afterwards second wife to Simon Harcourt, Esq., who held it 1712, and was Lord
High Chancellor of England 1712, created Viscount Harcourt 1721. Sir Philip Parker, a family
which took the name of Long through a marriage with Rebecca, sister and at length heir of Sir
Walter Long of Whaddon, co. Wilts, next bought it, and it was sold in 1846 by Mr. Walter
Long of Rood Ashton, M.P., to Mr. Joseph Blackwell af Nailsworth, and it is now vested in
Mr. George Blackwell in right of his wife, a Miss Sims, grand-daughter and heir of Mr Joseph
Blackwell. We may mention that the court farm has been tenanted by the ancestors of Mr. John
Nichols, the present occupier, born in 1808, to whom we are indebted for some of the above
information, during five generations in lineal descent.

aP.C.C. 170 Auber.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

of the Eolls and one of the Privy Council to King James I and King Charles I. of
which ancestors she was truly worthy.

The Table next adjoining shows

How much her sisters death she mourned,

And this how faithfully her love

Is, by that sister's son returned.

Adjoining is a monument to Johanna, the wife of John Eampayne, Gent.,
and daughter to Eobert Cassar, Esq. She died in childbed 15th December 1G94.
The Epitaph was written by Lady Ann Poyntz.

Passenger, stay ! this richest Grave
A small small delay may justly crave —
Virtue adorn'd with wit and Beauty,
Keligious Love, Conjugal Duty,
In this small cabinet lyes enshrined
While Glory gilds her purer mind.
Both her Parents near her lye,
And bear her relicts company,
Kind Death which used Friends to part
Joined these, who living, had one heart.
Eenoun'd Sir Julius Cresar lent

Unto them all noble Descent — '

Dying she did a son bequeath

In whom she lives in spite of Death —

Thus when th' old Phenix sweetly dyes,

The new does from her ashes rise.

Her Husbands love this Monument rears

Her sister writes these lines with Tears.

Domina Anna Poyntz scripsit.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

PEDIGKEE OP POYNTZ OP IKON" ACTON.
Table III,

(Continued from page 29).

Margery,=Sir John Poyntz of Ii'on=j=Elizabeth,
Acton, son of Sir Nicho- da. of Philip

da. of .
Dead
24 Feb.
1375-6,
2 wife.

las Poyntz, 2nd Baron,
of Cory Malet by his
2nd wife Matilda, co-
heir of Sir John Acton,
and heir of his mother.
Was granted in 1343
inter alia the Manor of
Iron Acton to him and
Elizabeth his wife and
their heirs. Sheriff of
Gloucestershire 1363.
Presented to theChurch
of Iron Acton 1369.
Died 21 Sep. 1376.
(Inq. p.m. 1 Rich. II,
No. 29).

de Clan-
vowe (see
ante, p. 52),
1 wife.

Katherine, :
da. and coh.
of Sir Tho-
mas Fitz
Nichol of
Hull and
Nympes-
field, co.
Glouc.
Bur* M.I.
(See ante,
p. 54).

Maurice
Poyntz, a
matricide.

"Robert Poyntz, Esq., of=Anne, da.

IronActon,bornatDefr- of

church in Irchenfield, Bur.*
co. Hereford, and bap- M.I.
tized there on Saturday ob. s.p.
in the Vigil of the 1 wife.
Trinity 33 Edward III (see ante,
(1359). Of full age p. 56 n.)
23 May 1380, and had
livery of his lands.
Sheriff of Gloucester-
shire 1397. Presented
to the Church of Iron
Acton 1400, 1420. Died
15 June 1439. Bur.*
M.I.

i — r-

Blanch.

Isabel,
mar. Robt.
Stanshaw.

Joan, mar. William
Dodington, Esq.,
as his first wife.

1. Poyntz.

2. Clanvowe.

3. Acton.

4. Fitz Nichol

Margaret Poyntz.
mar. Ralph Grevill,
only son of William
Grevill of Milcote.
Bur. at Wroxton,
Oxon.

5. Wydville.

6. Scales.

7. St. Paul.

De Bea-lx.
9. Unknown.
10. Beauchamp.

Elizabeth, da.=j=SirNicholasPoyntz;
of Sir Edw. ; of Iron Acton, Kt..
Mill of Hares- son and heir, Knt.
combe, 1 wife. | for the Shire of

| Glouc. 1431. Died

j 1449.

=Elizabeth, da. of
Sir Henry Hus-
sey of Harty, co.
Sussex, 2 wife.

Ellen Poyntz,
a nun at Glas-
tonbury.

Thomas Poyntz of Frampton Cotterell, died^Jane, relict of
1458. Admo. 12 Feb. 1458-9. | ... Harewell.

Isabel, mar. Alice, Robert Poyntz of Wyke, died 1470.=

Rich.Foster mar. Will dated 26 Nov. 1470, to be

of Sudbury. John buried in the Church of Friars

Crossley. Preachers, London, s.p.

At Iron Acton,

=Sy bil.exc1' to her husband's
will, which she proved 7
Feb. 1470 (Wattis), rem.
Humphry Forster, whose
wife she was in 1472-3.
(Rot. Clans. 12 and 15
Edw. IV.)

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

John Poyntz, son and:
heir, aged 16 years
on his father's death.
Had livery of seizin
28 Oct. 146ii. Dead
before 1467-8. (Rot.
Claus. 7th Edw. IV.)

Anne Poyntz, mar.

1 Edward Yardley,

2 Eob. Berkeley
of co. Hants.

Alice, da. of John Cock
of Bristol or of John Cox
of Skinfrith,co. Mon , who
had an assignment of
dower 1467-8. Sherempr.
Sir Edward Berkeley of
Beverston, Kt., as his
second wife. Died 29
Oct. 1507. Inq. p.m.
1 Hen. VIII.

Humphry Poyntz,=j=... da. of.
2 son, of Elkston, I Pollard,
of which he had a I
grant in tail male |
4 May 1473, died !
10 Oct. 1487.

r " J

Nicholas Poyntz, son and heir, aged
21 years on his father's death.

Alice Poyntz,
mar. Maurice
Denys of 01-
veston. Bur.
there. M.I.

Elizabeth Poyntz, nurse ... Poyntz,
1510-11 to the son of mar. John
Henry VIII by his Queen Codrington.
Katherine. The child
died in infancy.

Maurice Poyntz of St.=
Thomas, Bristol. Will
dated 9 Oct., prob. 4
Nov. 1501. Names his
wife Elena (3 Blamyr).

:EIena.

— T — r~i
Elizabeth, a nun
at Shaftesbury.

Margaret, mar.
John Lisle, or
Lisley, of Sussex.

Johanna, wife of
Wm. Dodington
of Woodland.

Thomas Poyntz,
had grant from
his brother of the
Manor of Nym-
pesfield 1451.

James. Maurice.

Thomas Poyntz, Esquire for=Johanna, relict of

the King's Body at the chris- Walter Devereux,

tening of Prince Arthur, Lord Ferrers of

Steward of the Hun d. of Bis- Chartley. Inq.p.m.

ley, Keeper of the parks of of Tho. Baynham,

Barneslev, Brymfield, & Mis- Rich. Ill and Hen.

erden,co."Glouc.,ob.s.p.l501. VII, No. 178.

Nicholas. Henry Poyntz,=? Alice, relict of
mar. cir. 1478. William Carpen-
Deeds in the ter of Bristol.
ParishChurch His will dated
of St. Thomas, 3 Mar. 1459-60.
Bristol. Proved atBristol.

Sir Robert Poyntz, son and heir, aged 17 on his father's death, made Knight Banneret=j=Margaret, illegitimate da.

at the battle of Redmore, 1 Hen. VII, immediately after King Rich, was slain (Cott.
MS., Claud, iii). Sheriff of Gloucestershire 1469, 1480, jointly with Sir William
Berkeley 1483, solely 1484, 1494, 1500. Chancellor tc Queen Kath. of Arragon.
Inq. p.m. 12 and 13 Henry VIII, Excheq. Died 4 Nov. 1520. Will dated 19 October
previously. Adm. to Anthony his son 1523 (28 Ayloffe).

Ann Poyntz, 2 wife of Sir John Walsh,
Kt., of Little ^odbury, Champion of
Hen. VIII, mar. settl. 25 Jan. 1496. His
will dated 25 Jan. 1498-9. Proved by his
relict Ann, June 1547. She mar. 2ndly
Robert Bulkeley of Burgate, co. Hants.

Elizabeth Poyntz, 1 wife
of Nicholas Wykes of
Doddingtou.

Katherine Poyntz,
mar. Sir (J wen
Perrot. He died
1513.

John Poyntz of Alderley,--j=Elizabeth, da. of

named in father's will.
Inq. p.m. 36, 37 Hen.
VIII, No. 12, Excheq.

Sir MathewBrown e
of Beechworth, co.
Surrey.

See Table V.

Sir Francis Poyntz, Esquire=Joan, da. of
of the King's Body, named Sir Mathew
in his father's will. Died 26 Browne of
June 1528. Bur. at Hunsdon Beechworth
s.p.m. Inq. p.m. 20, 21 Hen. Castle, co.
VIII, Exch., No. 2. Surrey.

of Anthony Wydvill, Earl
Rivers, pre-deceased her
husband.

Margaret Poyntz, mar. Sir
John St. Lac, Kt., of Tor-
mart' m, co. Glouc. He was
bur. at St. Helens, London,
23 Mar. 1558-9. Will pro.
by his relict Margaret 10 Ap.
following (4 Cheyney).

Nicholas Poyntz, died
27 Sep. 1512. Bur. Grey
Friars, Lond.

Joan Guildford, relict of Sir=-Sir Anthony Poyntz, Kt., son and heir,=j=Elizabeth, da. and coh. of Sir William Huddesfield,
Richard Guildford, Kt. Rot. of Iron Acton, born 1480, aged 35 years I Kt , of Shillingford, co. Devon, by Katherine, da. of
III. on his father's death. Kntd. Sheriff Sir Philip Courtenay, Kt., 1 wife, named in her

of Glouc. 1507, 1522. 1527. Died | mother's will 1510 as " my daughter Elizabeth
1535. No will or adm. traced. j Poyntz." Sir Anthony Poyntz sold Shillingford to

John Southcote.

Pat. 10 Hen. V

7. Margaret Poyntz, mar. Sir John
Newton of Barrs Court, co. Glouc,
Kt , and East Harptree, co. Som.
His will proved 17 Nov. 1568 by
Dame Margaret his relict. M.l.
East Harptree. »

8. Mary Poyntz, mar. Sir Edward
Gorges of Wraxall, co. Som., Kt.,
pre-deceased her husband. His
will at Wells. He died 11 Feb.
1565. Bur. at Wraxall.

1 — i

5. Robert.

0. Thomas.
Named m their grand-
father's will as dead
in 1520.

1 — i

2. Gyles Poyntz, ob. s.p.

3. Ferdinando Poyntz.
Not named in grand-
father's will.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz, Kt., of Iron Acton, Groom=j=Joan, da. of Thomas, Lord Berkeley,

of the Bedchamber, Sheriff of Glouc. 1538, 1544.
Knt. of the shire 1547. Will proved 8 July 1557
(22 Wrastley). Inq. p.m. 3 and i Philip Mary,
Part 2, No. 51. C

who in his will names " Johan I'oyntz
my daughter." She mar. 2ndly Sir
Edw. Dyer Died 31 March 1563.

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

7. Jane or J oan Poyntz,
mar. 1568 as 1st wife of
John Seymour, after-
wards knighted, bastard
bro. of Lady Jane Sey-
mour, consort of King
Hen. VIII. His will prov.
4 Aug. 1599(69Kidd).

8. Frances Poyntz,
mar. Sir John Ber-
keley of Beverston.
She was bur. at
Beverston 27 Aug.
1576.

Anne Poyntz, mar. Sir
Thomas Heneage, Kt.,
P.C. and Chancellor of
the Duchy of Lancaster,
etc. She died 30 Nov.
1594. His will prov. 13
Nov. 1595 (70 Scott).

Francis Poyntz,=Jane
named in father's Stawker
and bro. Nicholas'
wills, living 1587,
of Thornbury.

Anthony, living
1585.

4. Edmund, ob.
Paris 1568.

5. John.

6. William, bur. at

St. Margaret's
Westm. 20Feb.
1607-8.

All named in their father's will.

Sir Nicholas Poyntz of Iron Acton, Kt., aged 21 on his father's death
1558. Sheriff of Glouc. 1569. Kt. of the Shire 1571. His will, dated
22 June 1585. made " when he was about 50 years old." Prov. 15 Feb,
1586-7 (42 Brudenell). Died at Iron Acton 1 Sep. 1585. Inq. p.m.
28 Eliz., Part 2, No. 81.

=Anne, da. of Sir ? Ralph
Verney of Penley, co.
Bucks, Kt., mar. con-
tract 12 May 1555.

Vide page 97.

Margaret, da. of Edward
Stanley, 3 Earl of Derby.
Will dated 5 April, prov.
3 June 1586 [31 Windsor).

I 1

Ursula, Sir John Poyntz of Iron Acton,"
died Kt., aged 25 years on his father's

unmar. death, Sheriff of Glone. 1591,
Kt. of the Shire 1592. Bur. at
Iron Acton 29 Nov. 1633. Mar.
four times : 1 wife, Ursula, da. of
Sir John Sydenham of Brimpton,
co. Som., Kt., mar. settl. dat. 16
July 1578 ; 3 wife, Frances, da. of
John Newton, 2 son of Sir John
Newton of Barrs Court. She was
bur. at Iron Acton 1 Nov. 1599.
Will (nuncupative) prov. 14 June
1600 (49 Wallop). No will or
adm. for Sir John Poyntz found
either in P. CO or at Gloucester.

=2. Elizabeth, da. of Alex.:
Sydenham of Luxbo-
rough, Som., cousin of
Sir John, mar. settl. 10
Feb. 1581-2. In his will
Alex1' names his son-in-
law Mr. John Poines,
adm. of Hen. Sydenham
to Lady Eliz. Poyntz, as
next of kin and to Sir
John Poyntz her husb.
She was bur. at St. Mar-
garet's, Westminster, 7
Dec. 1595. Died in
childbed.

Charles ? See post.
Table IV,

:Grissell, da. ofWalter
Roberts of Glassen-
bury, Kent, relict of
Qervase Gibbons (ob.
1595) and Gregory
Pi-ice, mar. at St.
Olaves, Hart Street,
London, 2 June 1600.
Living 1640. Adm0
28 Jan. 1647-8.

Mary Poyntz, mar. 1 Francis
Codrington of Frampton on
Severn, co. Glouc. His will
proved 28 Oct. 1581 (36
Darcy), mar. 2ndly John
Sydenham of Nimpsfield. co.
Glouc. His will prov. by
Mary his relict 5 Jan. 1590-1
(ISt.Barbe). Bur. at Iron
Acton 7 Oct. 1591. Will
prov. 27 Nov. following
(87 St. Barbe).

Frances Poyntz,
bap. St. Duns-
tan'sin the West,
Lond. 3 April
1601, ? mar. ...
Gifford, Chanc.
Proc.Ch.I,Bund.
8, No. 36. '

Ann Poyntz, bap.*
29 Aug. 1802, mar.
3 Feb. 1628-9 Isaac
Bromwich of Glou-
cester, Esq.

Mary Poyntz, bap.*
27 Sep. 1604, mar.*
1st 12 May 1636
John Walter ; 2ndly,
Walter Bethell. He
died 1 Nov. 1686,
bur. St. Laurence,
York. M.I.

Nicholas Poyntz, born ... 1607,=j=Eleanor, only child and
matric. from Magd. Hall. Oxon, heir of Rice Davis of

as son of Sir John Poyntz, Kt.
31 Jan. 1622-3, ict. 16. Living
at Tickenham 1640. Died 11
Feb. 1650-1, bur. in the Savoy,
Lond. Will lost.

r J

Eleanor, only child and heir, mar. 1st Edmund Ashfield ;
2ndly, Richard Glanville. Her will proved 21 April 1709.

Tickenham, Som. by Mary
Pitt, relict of Robert Owen
of Bristol, and 3rd wife of
Rice Davis, mar. 1638.

Dorothy Povntz, mar.* 14 April
1600 John Peny of East Coker,
Som. who was born 1563 and
died 1613, named in the will of
her uncle Hugh Poyntz as " my
niece Dorothy Peny."

Frances
Poyntz,
bap.*
1 Feb.
1586-7.

Hugh Poyntz,
bap. St. James,
Clerkenwell,
14 July 1590.

Frances, da. of GervaseGibbons of:
Benenden, Kent, mar.* 13 June
1604, died 13 Mar. 1637-8 (Inq.
p.m. 15 Ch. I, Part 4, No.16).

Nicholas Poyntz,
bap. 15 July 1591,
alive in Mar. 1604-
5, but died young.

Elizabeth Poyntz,
mar.l Thomas, Vis-
count Thurles, who
died 15 Dec. 1619,
2ndly George Mat-
thew of Thurles.

John Poyntz,
bur. at St. Mar-
garets, Westmin-
ster,10Dec,1595,
three days after
his mother.

-Sir Robert Poyntz, Kt., bap.* 26 Oct. 1588, created^p Cecilia, da. of
Knight of the Bath at coronation of Charles I, bur.* 14 Sep,
matric. from Brasen-nose Coll. Oxon. 15 Mar. 1604-5, 13 Aug. 1678
Kt. for the Shire of Gloucester 1625 and 1628.
Sheriff 1637. Will dated 10 June 1653, prov.
12 July 1666 (121 Mico).

. Smith of Acton,
1678. Will dated
prov. by Frances
Bynner her sister 5 Oct. following
(115 Reeve).

Grissell Poyntz, Margaret Poyntz, mar. 1st 10 Dec. 1632

bap. at Reigate, Thomas, son of Sir Robert Gorges of

Surrey, 7 Nov. Eedlynch, mar. settl. dated 8 Dec. 1 632,

1608, mkr. 1640 2ndly, at St. Bartholomew the Less,

Richard Porter, Lond. 1 6 Feb. 1646-7 Sir Richard Hast-

son of Sir Tho- ings, Bart., 3rdly at Wells 24 Sep. 1669

mas Porter, Kt. Sam. Gorges of the Inner Temple.

Sir John Poyntz of Iron Acton7

Kt., matric. from Oriel Coll.

Oxon 22 July 1658, eldest son

of a knight, set. 1 2, knighted

24 Feb. 1665-6, died 1680,s.p.

bur,* 17 Oct. 1680. Will dated

23 A p. 1680, prov. 20 Dec.

following (170 Bath).

* At Iron Acton.

=Ann, da. of Robert Crcsar of Wil-
liams, co. Herts, mar. lie. Faculty
Office, 27 May 1667. He aged 24,
she 18, mar. at St. Peters or St.
Margarets, Westminster, died 23
June 1729,bur.at St. Katherines,
Regent's Park, Lond. M.I.

POYNTZ OF IRON ACTON.

Vide page 96.

A nn, da. of . . .=Robert Poyntz, niatric. at Brazen-=

nose Coll. Oxon. 22 Oct. 1591, as

1 wife. son of a Knight, aged 10.

^Elizabeth, da. of William Walsh
of Iron Acton, bap.*. 3 Dec. 1609,
mar.* 17 Dec. 1627, bur.*
12 Jan. 1631-2.

Hugh Poyntz of Tocking-
ton, co. Glouc, matric.
fromMagd. Hall, Oxon. 22
Oct. 1591, set. 12. Died
Marchll,1604-5,andbur.*
1 3th, unmar. Will prov.
8 June 1605 (38 Hayes).

Florence, da. of John Jones=j=Ed\vard Poyntz of Tockington, afterwards of Caerleon, co. Monm.,=

of Treowen, co. Monm., died
15 Mar. 1598, bur.* M.I.
1 wife. '

matiic. Magd. Coll., Oxon. 25 Oct. 1588, aged 13. Will nuncu-
pative dated 3 Oct. 1613, prov. 13 Sep. 1615 by Mary his relict.
Died at Caerleon, 5 Oct. 1613. Inq. p.m. 12 James, Part 15,
No. 61. Bur*. M.I. See ante, p. 57 n.

=Mary,
da. of

Bridget, da. of=j=Nicholas Poyntz, son and heir, aged 16=

Talbot Badger.

BridgetRobnett/
2 wife, died cir.
1660.

on his father's death, of Penrose, co.
Monmouth and of Tockington, named
in his father's and uncle Hugh's wills.
His will (nuncupative) dated 24 Ap.
1630, prov. 7 Mar. 1631-2(35 Audeley).

;Jeanette, relict of John
RichardEdmunds. Mar.
1650. Prov. will of her
husbandNicholas. Made
her own will 1644, and
died in that year.

T-

Johu Poyntz,1
born 1602, died
at Ghent 6 Mar.
1671, aged 69.

1 — i

Mary, living in
Paris, unmar.
1651.

Ann.

^Rowland Poyntz of=pMargaret, da. of , Nicholas,

Llanarth, co. Mon.= 3 wife, mar. 1650, remar. bur.* 14

a first .wife, name I David Lloyd, living in Nov. 1624.
unknown1, •rfrafre*- - 1 1701.

fb*3 ■ 1

i ,

John Poyntz, youngest son, named
in father's wall, a Captain in the
Parliamentary Army.

16*

Nicholas Poyntz, Chancery Depositions Rowland Poyntz of Monmouth,

17 Dec. 1701, No. 115, then dead. living 1701. Chanc. Depos. 17

Poyntz v. Powell, tZT ' d&i*- £> . . . Dec. 1701. Poyntz v. Powell.

Three sons.

* At Iron Acton.

1 This John Poyntz, alias Stephens and Campion, after his humanities at St. Omer's College, entered the English
College at Rome for his higher studies on 29 Sep. 1621 as a con victor under the name of John Campion, and after affording
a bright example of every virtue, left the College for England 17 Sep. 1624. He entered the Society of Jesus at Watten the
same year, and was professed of the four vows 4 May 1640. In 1639 he was Professor of Sacred Scripture at Liege, and was
sent to the English Mission in the same year, serving in the College of St. Xavier (Hereford and North and South Wales ^/IcAAcl
District) for several years, and, when Missioner at Hereford, was connected with the relics of St. Thomas of Hereford,
receiving them in charge from Father Alexander Cuffand (alias Day), also a Missioner at Hereford, and depositing them in
St. Omer's College Church in 1668. In 1649 he was in the London District, and in 1655 was declared Rector of Ghent. On
13 May 1659, Rector of the English College, Rome, and in 1663 Rector of the College of Liege. He died at Ghent 6 Mar.
1671. (Foley's Collectanea Soc. Jesus, vol. vii, p. 628).

The following extracts from the Bollandists' Acta Sanctorum, vol. xlix, torn, i, p. 540, October, relate to the St. Omer
relic. It is a letter from John Poyntz : —

'' This sacred pledge, which, wrapped up in green ribbon, I left at Paris in the year of our Lord Christ 1651 Nov. 12 in
charge of my sister Miss Mary Poyntz, I John Poyntz priest S. J. attest to be one of the bones of that great Prelate, most
renowned for miracles, St. Thomas of Hereford, whose feast in the Roman Martyrology is celebrated on the 3 October This c^s^leu*.:
precious jewell (together with the head and other relicsof this Holy Prelate, which was preserved by the Catholics until these qrSz^tb-'a^
times with pious veneration, although secretly) was at length torn from them in the year 1642, when the Parliamentary
forces under the command of the Earl of Stamford took Hereford. However by the pious exertions of a Catholic lady, Mrs.
Ravenhill, at that time residing in Hereford, it was recovered. From whence I, the said John Poyntz, received this remark-
able portion of so great a treasure from Father Alexander Cuffand, also a priest S. J., and I deposited it in the charge of my
sister, Miss Mary Poyntz, at Paris, in order that, should any thing happen to me, it might be delivered to the Very Reverend
Father Provincial of England for the time being.

"John Poyntz S. J.

In other documents he is described as John Stephen Poyntz, S. J. " priest."

APPENDIX.

Abstract of the Will of Sir Robert Poyntz, Knt.

In the name of Almighty God. Amen. Dated October 19, 1520.

Robert Poyntz Knt. Manors lands goods &c. in the City of Gloucester and in the
Towne of Bristol and suburbs of the same &c. To be buried in the Church of the
Gaunts beside Bristol in the Chapel of Jesus which latelie I have caused to be new
edified and made of my costs and charges on the south side of the Chauncell of the
sayde Church and the over part thereof behynde the Presbitery there, that is to witte,
in a vawte in the same thereunto redy prepared and ordeyned. Mine Executors
to provide a fyne small marble stone to be laid over the mydds of the Vawte with a
scripture making mention of all the bodies that lye buried in the same vawte, and of
the days and yeares of their decease.1 To the High Altar of the Parish of Iron Acton
for my tithes forgotten and to be paid for them 40s. To the mother Church of
Worcester Gs. 8d. The said New Chapel which I latelie edified is not in all things
perfected and furnished yet according to myne intent, that is to wytte in glasyng of
the windows thereof and making of two pews within the said Chapel, in the lower end
of the same, myne Executors shall fynish and perform all the same things being yet
undone, and also shall garnish the same Chapel with certain images, and the aulter of the
same with aulter clothes, vestments, book and chalys, and with all other things thereunto
necessary. A gowne of blake velvett of myne and a goune of blake velvett of my
late wife, which goune she by her will ordeyned to be made into vestments, shall both
by myn executors be made into a sute of vestments of the best and most convenient
manner with myne armes and with fystys also imbroydered, holding tufts of flowers of
rosys, margarets, and pouncies, to garnish and powder the same, and with scripture also
upon them to be set, making mention of the givers of the same Vestments, which
Vestments shall be delyvered by myne said Executors as of my Gift and of my wyffe
to the said Church of the Gaunts for a remembrance there to be prayed for.

To my son John Poyntz, all my plate, hangings, bedding, chambering, naprye and
other stuff of household which be and remayne in my lodging in London within the
Grey Friars. To my son Francis Poyntz all ditto in my Manor of Hill, Glouc., the

1 Barrett, in his "History of Bristol," treating of the Jesus Chapel in the Church of St. Marks's Hospital, says, "Under
the floor is a large vault, the entrance of which in 1730 fell in, and upon examining the corpses there deposited, supposed to
be those of the founders of the Church, there was found a gold bodkin entangled in some hair " (345). One of the bodies,
we learn from a note in Mr. H. Smith's illustrated copy of Barrett, was that of a female clothed in white satin, having her
robes fastened on the breast by a very handsome gold clasp, which was taken by, and, as I am informed is now (1825) -in the
possession of Mrs Becher, in College Green. These must have been the remains of Dame Margaret, wife of Sir Robert

Poyntz for whose obsequies, with his own he richly endowed the chapel and the church of the Gaunts," by his will

dated 19 Oct. 1520. (Evans' "Chronological Outline of the History of Bristol," p. 311. See also Pryce's "History of
Bristol," 144 ; and " Bristol Past and Present," vol. ii, 187).

APPENDIX.

standarclys of household being in the same only except ; also to Francis all such plate
that I had of the said Francis, which he had of the gifte of the French king. To
Margaret Poyntz my daughter, for her advancement and preferment in marriage 300
marks sterling, and also 50 marks sterling for her apparel, to be paid to her at marriage,
by the advice of my brother Thomas Poyntz, of my son Anthony Poyntz, and of my
Executors. If she refuse to be so ordered she shall have only 100 marks. All my plate
jewells &c. not bequeathed shall be sold by my Executors of which plate &c. my aon
Sir Anthony Poyntz Kn*. shall take as moche thereof at reasonable prices by indifferent
appraisement as shall lyke him to, for redy money by him to be paid.

My Feoffees and Kecorders of and in my manors of Iron Acton, Ilger, Frampton,
called Gastelyn, Stanshawe, Glouc, and messuages in the same, and Winterbourne,
Hambrook, which I lately purchased of John Grevyll and John Walsh Esqru., Yate,
Dodyngton, Wapley, Old Sodbury, Westerley, Tydrington and Stedycote, Glouc, for the
use of Anthony Poyntz, Knt., my son and heir, provided they shall find a priest to sing
for the souls of Thomas and Robert Poyntz late of Frampton Esq1'6, and for my soule.
I discharge all other manors recorded against me by Lord Cardinall and others, for the
contentation and payment of the debts I owe to our Sovereign Lord the King, Feoffees
and Recorders of and in my manor of Alderley and advowson of the same, and in a
messuage in Tresham, called Westcote, and all messuages, lands &c. in Alderley for the
use of my brother Thomas Pointz during his natural life, without any thing paying
therefrom. If my lady Ferrers wife of my said Brother should die then, &c.

Manors of Lytell Marshfield, 4th part of the manor of Brokynborowe, Elkeston, Hinton,
Stounden, Winterbourn, Hambroke, &c. I am seized of lands, &c., in Wodeland, Almonsbury.
Stanshawe, Charfield, Huntingford, Hawkesbury, Leighterton, Glouc. The Master of the
House of Gaunts to take the issues of the same to provide an honest and considerable
Priest to synge Masse at the altar in the said Chapel of Jesus, and to pray for the souls
of me and dame Margaret my late wife, and Robert and Thomas Poyntz, sons of Sir
Anthony Poyntz my son, for the souls of our ancestors and all christian soules, the said
priest to have for his salary six pounds. A solemn obit for my soule to be kept in
the said church of the Gau.nts on the day of my departing, in the evening Placebo and
Dirige by note and on the day following Mass of Requiem by note, and four tapers of
waxe, every of them a pound weight, be brenninge upon my herse about the crucifix at
all times during the said Dirige and Masse, and 6s. 8d. to be distributed in alms to the
poor. The said priest shall always be tabled and lodged within the same house of
the Gaunts, &c.

My brother Thomas Poyntz, John Fitz- James, Esq., attorney to the King's Grace,
Robert Bekensalle, D.D., almoner to the Queen's Grace, Thomas Matson, and Charles Bulkeley
to be executors. To my daughter Margaret 50 marks besides what I have bequeathed to
her. A pair of vestments to the churches of Iron Acton, Alderley, Elberton, and Hill.
Money bequeathed for the highway between Acton and Bristol. (No date of proof).

State Papers, 1523. Sir Anthony Poyntz, administrator of Sir Robert Poyntz of
Acton, Glouc. Return of £40 which the said Sir Robert along with Bradston had bound
themselves for Sir Alexander Baynham, sheriff.
O2

ioo

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF FOYNTZ.

IKON ACTON MANOP HOUSE.

The ancient Manor House of Iron Acton probably consisted of a central
building, facing east and west, with north and south wings, forming a portion
of three sides of a quadrangle. The eastern elevation of the present central
building was figured by Lysons eighty years ago, and his view we reproduce on
Plate I. Scarcely any change, externally, seems to have taken place in it since.
The three-light Perpendicular window at the north side is traditionally said to
have lighted the domestic chapel, or oratory. We are, however, very doubtful
upon this point. The whole area at the south end of the building originally
formed one very spacious apartment, though it is now divided b}^ a modern wall,
forming a portion of it into a stable, leaving a passage at the back leading to
the part supposed to have been the chapel. That part is now used as a cellar,
and we do not find any remains therein, such as a piscina, in support of the
tradition. Nevertheless, if it were used merely as an oratory, probably it never
had a true altar, and a piscina would not be required.

The eastern front, which contained the principal entrance, is approached
through a large rectangular courtyard, measuring from east to west about
165 feet, and from north to south about 120 feet, having a handsome arched
entrance of late date, the spandrils of the gate-way being filled with carved
ornamentation in low relief of the Poyntz crest and sprigs of oak-leaves and
acorns. The elevation of the western facade is very similar to that of the
eastern, except that it is connected at the north end with a wing extending north
and south, and is rendered more picturesque by having, in the angle thus formed,
a semi-octagonal tower which contains a good newel stair-case, the stairs of
which are composed of solid blocks of oak.

Entering the building from the eastern front, we find a wide passage straight
through the house, having on each side solid walls. On the left is the large
apartment above mentioned, to which there were probably two doorways of
good workmanship, one on each side of the room, but that against what is now
the stable is built up. In the wall on the right remains the old buttery hatch,
shewing that the kitchen and other domestic offices were on that side.

IRON ACTON MANOR HOUSE.

101

From the western courtyard there is another special entrance to the north
wing, having over the doOr a shield of the Poyntz arms. This wing would
appear to have been shortened at west end, or at least the wall has been rebuilt,
for in the walling are inserted stones, irregularly, bearing the date a.d. 1642.
This wing must have been an important portion of the building, and perhaps
contained the state apartments. The rooms are handsome, large, and well lighted,
especially on the upper floor.

On the upper floor of the south end of the main building, over what we
conclude was the hall, there was also a spacious room. The roof of the whole
building is of solid oak. It is constructed on the queen-post principle, but of
a rough character, without any ornamentation. The rooms were all ceiled.
About three feet below the original ceiling of the room we have last mentioned,
a modern ceiling has been constructed, between which and the upper ceiling
there are remains on the walls of decorations painted in tempera. The walls
below have been repeatedly whitewashed.

There must have been an important family seat here as early as the thirteenth
century, though doubtless it had been, from time to time, altered, and perhaps
partially rebuilt. Sir Eobert Poyntz, we have seen, entertained King Henry VII
here in 1486, as did Sir Nicholas Poyntz Queen Elizabeth in 1574, but we
are unable to trace in the existing structure any work of early date. The
whole of the old mansion would appear to have been taken down and rebuilt in
the early part of the seventeenth century, most likely by the last Sir Eobert
Poyntz, who was created a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of King
Charles I, and died in 1666. He probably impoverished the estate by these
extensive works, and thereby commenced that ruin of his family which his
reckless and prodigal son completed.

The mansion for the last 200 years has been converted into a farm-house,
for which purpose it was, and indeed still is, vastly too large, notwithstanding
that a great portion of it has been taken down and removed. Even, almost
within living memory, at least within 100 years, the process has been continued,
and it is thought that the ashlar work of which the Pives-Court in the village
green is constructed consists of some of the materials of the old mansion. The
interior of what remains has also undergone extensive alterations and is so filled
with modern partitions that, in the time at our disposal for its inspection, we
were unable to form any very clear idea of its original arrangements.

102

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

Chapter IV.

POYNTZ OF BEENOCK AND ACTON IN THE COUNTY OF

AEMAGH, IKELAND.

We must now advert to the family of Poyntz of Brenock and Acton in
the County of Armagh, who claim descent from Sir John Poyntz of Iron Acton,
who died in 1633. The ancestor of this family was a certain Charles Poyntz,
Gentleman. In the year 1610, under that designation, he received a grant of
one balliboe of land in Brenock, and the third part of Listray balliboe, in all
200 acres. These lands were erected into a manor called Brennoge, with 100
acres in demesne, and a Court Baron, to be held to him and his heirs for ever
of the Castle of Dublin in common socage at a rent of £1 12s. per annum. He
held a commission in the Royal army in Ireland.

It is stated by the Eev. Charles Hill1 that " this Undertaker, only then for
a short time in the servitor class, was a son of Sir John Poyntz of Acton in
Gloucestershire. Although he had very small beginnings in the Barony of Orier,
he proved a very active and influential settler, naming his little estate, which
soon became larger, after the old family residence of Acton in England. The
two balliboes mentioned in the small grant lay in Orriereightra, bounded on
one side by the river Bann." Sir George Carew reports in 1611, as cited by
Hill, that " Lieutenant Charles Pojmtz has 200 acres as servitor, and has provided
timber and materials for building."

In 1616 he was associated with Sir Arthur Chichester, at which date there
is a King's letter authorising Sir Arthur to accept the surrender of the lands
of Lieut. Charles Poyntz, held by patent or purchased, and to regrant them
to him again in one patent. In 1618 he had a much larger grant of lands,
and all were erected into the manor of Acton. Captain Nicholas Pynnar reports
in 1618-19 that " upon Lieut. Poyn's lands there is a Bawne of 80 feet square,
the lower part thereof to be of stone and clay, with a house in it, but he, not
liking of the seat, hath begun a Bawne of 100 feet square with three Flankers
and a large house, all which shall be of brick and lyme, which there is now
in the place with workmen labouring very hard and is undertaken to be finished
by August."2

1 " Historical Account of the Plantation of Ulster 1608-1620."

2 Pynnar's " Survey of Ulster."

POYNTZ OF BEENOCK AND ACTON.

103

Mr. Poyntz would seem to have been an active and energetic man. He
was one of the Commissioners, jointly with Sir F. Annesley and Sir Edward
Trevor, appointed by the King's Commission dated 27th January 1623, concerning
the County of Armagh, to make a return of the names and number of the Irish
that on the 12th December previously, or at any time afterwards, were inhabiting
upon the several proportions of the British undertakers, their agents, tenants,
and farmers, within the County of Armagh, and what rents and other duties they
performed, and what quantities of land each of them held.1

Near Scarva there is a spot called Poyntz's Pass, formerly an important
military position, which derived its name from its having been forced, after a
desperate action, by Lieut. Poyntz of the English army with a few troops, against
a numerous body of Tyrone's soldiers.

His services were so far recognised that on 13th June 1630 he received
the honour of knighthood from Adam, Viscount Loftus, Lord Chancellor, and
Sir Archibald Boyle, Earl of Cork, then Lords Justices of Ireland.2

Sir Charles Poyntz was actively concerned in many of the stirring scenes
of the turbulent period of the Irish Eebellion of 1641. He, with Sir Edward
Trevor and others, was seized by Sir Con McGennis and imprisoned for twenty-
seven weeks in the Castle at Newrjr, an interesting account of which is given
in a small quarto, entitled " A True Eelation of the Chief Passages in Ireland,
from the 25th April to this present;" London, 14th of May 1642. It is stated
that on the 5th May 1642 news came to the Lords Justices by Captain Cadogan
that the Newry was not only taken from the Eebels by Lord Conway with
the assistance of Eobert Munroe, the Scottish General sent to Ulster, but also
the Castle and Town of Carlingford. Narrow-Water Castle was recovered soon
afterwards, in which they " found the old Viscountess of Evagh, daughter of
the old arch-rebel Hugh Earl of T}^rone, Sir Edward Trevor, Sir Charles Poyntz,
Captain Henry Smith, and seven others that were taken prisoners and close
kept in the Castle of Newry, who were all relieved and are now going at their
liberty."

Sir Charles Poyntz married Christine, sister of Sir Marmaduke Whitchurch,
Knt., who was Sheriff of the County of Armagh in 1607, and on the flight of
the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell, in the same year, was appointed one of
the Commissioners for the government of their Counties. By his will, dated
18th June 1634, Sir Marmaduke made his "good brother" Sir Charles Poyntz
trustee, and bequeathed to his "dear sister Dame Christine Poyntz, £10, also

1 "State Papers, Ireland, Jas. I," p. 483.

2 Additional MSS. No. 4784, p. 202, Brit. Mus.

104 MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

five marks for a ring * and to his " nepliew Edward youngest son of Sir Charles
Poyntz £5 to buy him a nagg to ride upon."1

Sir Charles Poyntz died in 1661, intestate, and on the 28th May in that
year letters of administration were granted to Toby Poyntz, the lawful son
of the deceased, as also letters of acquittance by the Archbishop of Armagh on
15th December 1680.

Sir Charles had three sons, Chichester, Toby, and Edward, abovementioned.
Chichester, who would appear to have been the eldest born, matriculated at
Oxford as from Trinity College, described as son of Sir Charles Poyntz of
Armagh, Knt., on 27th November 1635, aged 17. He would appear to have
died soon afterwards. He is not named in the will of his grandfather, Sir
Marmaduke Whitchurch, and we have no further knowledge of him ; nor does
Edward appear again.

Toby Poyntz on his father's death succeeded to his estates. He was M.P.
for Newry from 1639 to 1641, and was Sheriff of Armagh in 1644. He seems
to have served on the Eoj^alist's side until after the King's death, as we find
several entries of lands granted to Lieutenant and Captain Tobias Poyntz. In
1662 he received the honour of Knighthood from the Duke of Ormonde. And
on 10th August 1655, Captain Tobie Poyntz, in consideration of the sum of
£400 and a horse worth £20 to be paid to him by Captain Hans Hamilton,
and of £156 14s. 4d. to be paid to him in pure coin, sterling English money,
enfeoffed the said Hans Hamilton in certain lands at Tullymore,2 &c. He
married Eose, eldest daughter, and coheir with her sister, of Theophilus
Buckworth,3 Bishop of Dromore, by Sarah, daughter of Arnold Usher, one of
the Six Clerks in Chancery at Dublin, and sister of the famous James Usher,
Archbishop of Armagh. By his will, dated in 1652, the Bishop of Dromore
demised to his eldest daughter, Eose, all his lands in Leeah, co. Down.4

In the Dublin Eecord Office there are references, too numerous for detail
here, to be found on the Patent Eolls and Inquisitions for the County of

1 Sir Marmaduke left two daughters, Elinor and Frances. Elinor married 1st John Symonds of
the co. of Armagh, and 2ndly Sir Faithful Fortescue. (See Inq. of Ulster 8th September 1637.
Eecord Commissioners' Publications.) Frances married in 1635 Marcus, eldest son of Sir Edward
Trevor, Viscount Dungannon.

2 This Tullymore Park is now the seat of the Earl of Roden.

3 The Rev. Anthony Buckworth, Vicar of Louth and Rector of Killincoole, in his will, dated
the 20th August and proved 22nd October, 1664, names "his cousin Dame Rose Buckworth, wife
of Sir Tobias Poyntz." The arms of Buckworth, Sa. a lion rampant guardant per fess Or and Erm.,
are impaled with those of Poyntz in Ulster's office, Dublin,

4 Register of Wills, Dublin,

POYNTZ OF BRENOCK AND ACTON.

105

Armagh, relative to the lands of Sir Charles, Sir Toby and Eose Lady Poyntz.
In the Carte Papers we find a letter from Sir Toby Poyntz to Sir William
Mower, Master of the Horse to the Duke of Ormonde, which does not shew
much affection for, or confidence in, his Presbyterian neighbours.1 He writes
from —

Acton ye 26 of June 1680

Deare Sir

I shd not have troubled you att this time but I see a sort of People
in this country hold up their heads very high, the cause I know not unlesse
they expect some Novelties when there Ministers come back out of Scotland
(for most or all of the Presbyterian Ministers are now gone to Scotland to
what end I know not) ; Butt I c'1 wish that the Council wd serve them as we
are wont to serve madd doggs — that is when they are out of doors to shut
them out. I have writ to Charles Poyntz to see to get you a great haucke.
I hope to furnish you with marlins. I have one marlin and a Cast of Halks
which were in an Aerie under my house. But I have sent to enquire after
more.

I am Sir

Your most fay. & most humble servant

To. Poyntz

The Presbyterians in our Country are very high & sturdie I hope they
intend no mischief.
For Sir William Flower

One of H.M. Most Hon"* Privy Council

at his lodgings, Dublin.
There are also various letters, &c, relative to the family calendared in
the Salisbury and Ormonde Collections, vol. vii of the Historical Commissioners'
Eeports.

Sir Toby Poyntz died in 1685, leaving by his wife Eose three children :
Charles, his son and heir, Sarah and Christian. By his will, which is
preserved at Narrow-Water Castle,2 dated 1st January 1684-5, he provides
that in case of the failure of heirs male his lands, &c, should go " to the
heir general of the Poyntz's in England, whose name is now I believe Eobert
Poyntz in Somerset, being issued of my father Sir Charles Poyntz's eldest brother."

The alleged Popish Plot, invented by that infamous scoundrel Titus Oates,

1 Carte Papers, vol. 45, p. 358 : Bodleian Library, Oxford.

2 We are informed that this will is not to be found in the Dublin Eecord Office, as Irish
wills,, dealing with real estate, need not be there proved or registered.

104

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

though discredited by the King and Council, was warmly espoused by
the Earl of Shaftesbury and his associates as favourable to the carrying out of
their own designs. Though Oates was convicted of perjury and imprisoned, and
so remained for a dozen years until he was pardoned and granted a comfortable
pension in 1689 by William III., the pretended plot created great excitement
in England, which extended with more force into Ireland, it being stated that
the Duke of Ormonde, who for the second time had just been appointed Lord
Lieutenant, was to be murdered and that a general massacre of Irish Protestants
was concerted. Ormonde himself had no belief in Oates, yet he saw that the
most disastrous consequences might arise among an inflammable people from the
mere rumour of so formidable a conspiracy. His measures for the public
safety were taken with much wisdom and moderation, but representations were
made to England of his leniency to the Catholics, and Lord Shaftesbury, who
would hesitate at nothing to effect the ruin of Ormonde, brought the state of
Ireland before the House of Lords, and though he failed in this measure he
succeeded in obtaining orders from the English Council which would, he hoped,
embarrass the Irish Government and possibly excite a rebellion, which was
what the English Government appeared to desire. The Irish protestants were
stirred up. Letters were dropped in Dublin intimating a design to assassinate
the Lord Lieutenant, and various threatening reports were set afloat designed
to reach his ears. His anxieties were increased. by the insurrection in Scotland.
He was, at all times, more apprehensive of the Presbyterians than of the Papists,
and he suspected that the Scottish insurgents had correspondence with their
brethren in Ulster, which, from Sir Tob}T Pojnitz's letter above, we know he
had much reason to fear. The result of the battle of Bothwell brig, however,
relieved his mind upon this point.

We learn from Sir Eobert Cecil's letters to Sir George Carew, when the
latter was Lord President of Munster,1 that the most unscrupulous and diabolical
measures were taken, with the sanction of an English Secretary of State, we
refrain from saying the English Government, against the unfortunate Irish ; but
we were not prepared to believe that even so late as 1681, nearly 100 years
afterwards, the same enormities were committed if not with the sanction at least
with the connivance of high English officials in Ireland. The Duke of Ormonde
was, we believe, an upright, chivalrous, and honourable man, and we cannot
for a moment conceive he would personally sanction such criminal atrocities.
Charles Poyntz's letter2 shall speak for itself.

1 Letters of Sir Eobert Cecil to Sir George Carew, printed from Lambeth MSS., 604 : Camden
Society, 1864.

2 Printed vol vii, " Keport of Commissioners on Historical MSS.," p. 709.

POYNTZ OF BRENOCK AND ACTON.

107

Acton, the 3d of May 1681.

Honble Sir,

I hold myself obliged to give you thanks for all your favours, but

particularly for your friendly representation of my concerne, in the destruction

of that grand rogue, Eedmond 0 Hanlon, and that you may doe it with

the better assurance, I think it will not be improper to give you a particular

account of it. About the beginning of December last Art Mc0oll alias Hanlon,

who was onc't a servant to my father, and at that time had noe staine opon

him, but what his surname brought him came to me and desired to be

admitted into my companie. I represented to him the unreasonableness of

his rscpiest, and how that it would give occasion of discourse to those

malicious rascals that had scandalised my father and me as having two much

kindness for the Hanlons, but withal I told him that he might doe that

service, which would serve the king and cuntry, oblidge me, and for ever

make him rich, and then proposed this service, which he has now performed

as the way to bring all that to pass ; att first he boggled att it, but when

I had laid doune several wayes to him how it might be performed (and all

of them depending upon his associating himself with Eedmond), he concluded

to undertake it, and swore to accomplish it or die in the attempt, opon

which I imediately went to Sir Hans Hamilton, gave him an account of

what I had done and desired that he would give him a pass and protection

to prevent his being kill'd, should he meet with any soldiers, which Sir Hans

readily consented to, and having made me write it he signed it, and I

delivered it to Artt's oune hand, who then (with many curses on himself if

he fail'd) renew'd his promise to me to perform it, and since often by one

in whom we both confided sent me word that he continued firm in that

resolution, and that not above six days before he did the service how he

came after to be concerned with Mr. Lucas I know not, but am extremely

glad that on my account the service was done. I am very far from

derogateing anything from the meritt of Mr. Lucasses service, in which I am

persuaded he took much pains, for to most of his designes he made me

privie, having first shew'd me my Ld Lts- order to him, neither, I hope, will

you think that (had the service been done onely by my meanes) I expected

any other reward for the performance of it then that my Ld L* and you and

all good men should see that my endeavours were not wanting for the

serving of my cuntry in the ruine of that rogue, and all such which I hope,

by your means, either is or may yett be brought to pass, onely thus much

give me leave to say for myself that had not I in that designe first sent
p

108

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

him to associate with Eedmund lie had not been in a capacitie to have
serv'd Mr. Lucas or anybody else. The bearer hereof was by at my agree-
ment with Art, and heard all that I said to him, as alsoe a late agreement
that I made with one Fergus Ma Geneiss, who has engaged that William 0
Sheale, who cutt Eedmund's head, shall kill Laughlin, and bring his head to
me, he may perhaps serve me, as t'other fellow did ; but soe the service be
done I care not. I hope you will pardon the trouble of this tedious letter,
which I thought it my duty you should have from,

Honorable Sir,
Your most obliged and obedient Servant,

Chak. Poyntz.

My father is your Servant.

Addressed : " To the Honble. Sir William Flower, Knight, one of his Majesties
most honorable Privy Councell at Dublin. These.

Charles Poyntz was shot at Pontaferry, but in what circumstances we
have not been able to ascertain, nor do we know the exact date of his death,
but it must have been before 1707, for his relict was then the wife of Mr. Savage,
as shewn by her son's will. Possibly his connection with the death of "that
grand rogue, Eedmond O'Hanlon," may have become known, and he became a
victim to the revenge of the sept, He died intestate, and on 12th July, 1712,
administration of his effects was granted to Edward Lucas, of Shane Castle,
probably her brother, to the use of the relict of the deceased.

Charles Poyntz married Lucy, daughter of Francis Lucas, of Shane Castle,
co. Monaghan, by a certain Mary Poyntz, but of the parentage of this Mary
we have failed to obtain any information. She might have been an unnamed
sister of Sir Toby. The Articles agreed upon on the marriage were dated
15th December 1684, and the marriage licence the 20th of the same month, the
former being recited in the Indentures of Settlement after marriage, dated
14th and 15th March 1687-8. He had issue an only child named Lucas, who
was born in 1688. Lucas matriculated at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1704, as
the son of Charles Poyntz, aged sixteen years. He made his will on 2nd April
1707 in which he names his mother, Lucy Savage, and makes bequests to
Lieutenant Eobert Lucas and Francis Lucas, the latter of whom he appoints
his executor.

Bv the death of Lucas Poyntz, the issue of Sir Charles Poyntz in the male
line became extinct, and by the will of Sir Toby Poyntz it would appear that
the estates should have devolved upon the heir general of Sir John Poyntz of
Iron Acton, the only remaining representatives of Sir Charles Poyntz being Sarah
and Christian, daughters of Sir Toby, nevertheless these ladies inherited.

POYNTZ OF BRENOCK AND ACTON.

109

Sarah, the elder, married Col. Charles Stewart of Ballintoy Castle, co. Antrim,
He took part under the Earl of Peterborough in the English force employed in
the War of Succession in Spain, and remaining there after the earl's departure
in 1706 was slain in 1711, and his will was proved on the 10th July in the
following year. Their son, the Eev. Archibald Stewart, was Chancellor of the
Diocese of Connor. He married Leonora, daughter of John Vesey, successively
Bishop of Limerick and Archbishop of Tuam. His marriage licence and his will,
the latter dated in 1751, are in the Dublin Eecord Office.

Christian, the younger, daughter and coheir, married in 1686 Eoger Hall
of Mount Hall, co. Down, Esq., and in 1709 sold her moiety of the estate to
her nephew, Archibald Stewart, of Ballintoy. Their only daughter Eose, born
1687 married first, in 1708, Eichard Close, now represented by Col. Close of
Drumbanagher Castle, Waringstown, co. Down. He died 10th April 1716,
and she married secondly Captain Charles Stewart of the 5th (Lord Molesworth's)
Dragoons, and of Wester Cluny, co. Perth. Mrs. Eose Stewart died 11th February
1779, at the age of ninety-two years, and was buried at Lisburne, her husband,
Captain Stewart, having predeceased her on 4th June 1774.

For the ancestry and descendants of these members of the Stewart family
we must refer the reader to Mr. C. P. Stewart's carefully prepared " Memorials
of the Stewarts of Forthergill," privately printed by Johnston in Edinburgh 1881,
"and also to Burke's Landed Gentry, under Stewart-Eobertson of Edradynate.

We have mentioned in the opening of the Memoir of this branch of the
Poyntz Family that they claim descent from Sir John Poyntz of Iron Acton,
who died in 1633. Considering the embarrassed circumstances of this gentleman
(as disclosed ante, p. 83) and his numerous issue, it would not have been
improbable that one of his sons should seek his fortune in Ireland, which, at
the end of the sixteenth century and the beginning of the seventeenth, was,
what our colonies now are, the field of enterprise for the younger sons of the
English gentry, where many of them founded opulent families which are still
nourishing upon the spoils of the unfortunate Irish. Besides, the splendid
marriage of Elizabeth Poyntz,1 one of the daughters of Sir John, with the Viscount
Thurles, the eldest son and heir of Walter Butler, Earl of Ormonde, would have
been a great inducement to one of her brothers to try his fortune in that
kingdom. If, however, such were the case with Charles Poyntz, it is surprising
that his name should nowhere appear in any family document known in England.
Unfortunately Sir John Poyntz died intestate, and we have therefore no assistance

1 There is a portrait of this lady, by Vandyke, in the possession of Lady Nugent, of Ballinlough.

110

MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF POYNTZ.

from his will. Sir John Poyntz, as we have seen, was married fonr times. He
first, in 1578. espoused Ursula Sydenham, who died without issue. He married
secondly, in February 1581, her kinswoman, Elizabeth Sydenham, by whom he
had seven children of whom we know, she died in giving birth to the last on
17th December 1595, and her infant son survived her only three days. He (Sir
John) married thirdly, Frances Newton, who died without issue 1st November
1599. His fourth marriage was with Grissell Eoberts, by whom he had four
children, and it has been alleged that Charles Poyntz was born of this marriage,
but that would seem to be impossible, for in that case he could not have been
more than nine years old when he was receiving grants of land in Ireland.
If Charles Poyntz were a son of Sir John, he must have been born of Sir
John's second marriage.

Sir John's eldest born child was Dorothy, the exact date of whose birth
does not appear ; the next was Frances, baptized 1st February 158G-7 ; then
followed Eobert, his son and heir, baptized 26th October 1588 ; to him
followed Hugh, baptized 14th July 1590; Nicholas, baptized 15th July, 1591;
Elizabeth, Viscountess Thurles, the date of whose birth is uncertain ; and John,
born and died 2nd December 1595. Charles could not have been born
before Eobert, or he would have been the heir, nor much later, or he would
not have attained an age to have acquired grants of lands in 1610. There
was just room for the birth of a child between the birth of Eobert, baptized
October 1588, and Hugh baptized July 1590 ; and if Charles Poyntz were the son
of Sir John he must, of necessity, have been born between these dates ; and,
say he was born in July or August 1589, he would have been of a sufficient
age to have received a small grant of land in 1610, and nearly thirty
years of age when his son Chichester was born. This may be possible, and
the points in favour of it are, first : the circumstance of his giving the
name of Acton to the manor into which he was allowed to form his grant
of lands in Ireland soon after he acquired it ; and the demise by Sir Toby
his son in his last will of the final remainder of his estates to the heir
general of Sir John Poyntz, in default of heirs male of himself, thus showing,
at least, his own belief in his descent from that house. The descent as
claimed may be probable, but we cannot say we think it proven.

POYNTZ OF BRENOCK AND ACTON. Ill

PEDIGEEE OF POYNTZ OF BRENOCK AND ACTON, CO. ABMAGH.

Table IY.

Thomas Butler, Vis-=
count Thurles only-
son of Walter 11th.
Earl of Ormonde, Go-
vernor of theCounties
of Kilkenny, Tip-
perary, and Water-
ford, 1st husband.
Drowned in passing
over into England 1 5
Dec. 1619.

Elizabeth, dan. of Alexr. Siden-:
ham of Luxborough, co. Som. mar.
1582. Died Dec. 1595, bur. St.
Margaret's, Westminster. See ante,
p. 87.

:Elizabeth~George Ma-
Poyntz, 2 thew of

Sir John Poyntz
of Iron Acton,
co. Gloucester,
died 1633. See
ante p. 88.
+ 1

James Stani-=
hurst, Speaker
of the House
of Commons,
Ireland.

Anne, dau.
of ... Fitz
Simons

dau. See
ante p. 87.

Thurles, el-
dest son of
Sir William
Mathew of
Radyr, co.
Glamorgan,
Knt., 2
hush

Sir Robert
Poyntz of
Iron Ac-
ton, K.B.

Richard Buck -=f=Rose, Arnold Us-=j=Margaret

worth of Wis'
beach. Arms
as impaled
with Poyntz
in Ulster Of-
fice, Dublin,
Sa.a lion ramp,
guardant per
fess Or and
Erm.

dau. of her, one of

the six

Cheyne Clerks in
of co. Chancery of
Camb. Dublin,died
1598.

Stani-
hurst.

Richard

Stani-

huvst.

Ambrose
Usher.

James Butler,
12th Earl of
Ormonde, cre-
ated Duke of
Ormonde 1661.
Died 1684.

Francis Lucas=
of Shane Cas-
tle, co. Moua-
ghan. Will pro-
ved . . . Dec.
1657 (Prerog.
Ct. Dublin).
Inq. p.m. 8
March 1661,
Rolls Office,
Dablin.

Sir Charles Poyntz=
of Brenock and Ac-
ton, co. Armagh,
claiming to be a
son of Sir John
Poyntz of Iron Ac-
ton. Knighted in
Ireland 1630, died
1661.

:Mary Poyntz,

dau. of

She married
secondly Ro-
bert Moore be-
fore 8 March
1661.

:Christine, sister of
Sir MarmadukeWh.it-
church of Lough
Brickland, co. Down,
in whose will, prov. 3
March 1635, she is
named (Dublin Reg-
ister of Wills).

Theophilus=pSarah
Buckworth, I Usher.
Bishop of
Dromore
1613-1652.
Will proved
15 August

1652.

James Usher, born=T=Phoobe, only

4 January 1580-1.
Bishop of Meath
1620, Archbishop
of Armagh 1624-5,
died at Reigate 21
March 1655-6 and
bur. in Westm. Ab-
bey 17 Ap. follow-
ing.

Elizab. Usher, only child and:
sole heir, Adm. to her fa-
ther's estate 3 May 1656.

dau. of Rev.
Luke Chal-
loner, d.d.
She was bur.
at St. Paul's
Covent Gar-
den, 22 Nov.
1684.

=Sir Timothy
Tyrrell,Knt.

Chichester Poyntz, matric. at
Oxford from Trinity Coll. as
son of Sir Charles Poyntz, Knt.,
of co. Armagh, 27 Nov. 1635,
aged 17 years.

Edward Poyntz, named in will
of uncle Sir Marmaduke Whit-
church, Knt., 1635.
r~

Sir Toby Poyntz, son=pRose, eldest dau. and eo-

and heir of Brenock
and Acton. Sheriff of
Armagh 1644. Kntd.
7 Sept. 1662. M.P.for
Newry 1639-41. Will
dated 1 Jan. 1685.
Died the same year.

heir, named in the will of
the Rev. Anthony Buck-
worth, Rector of Killin-
coole, dated 20 Aug. and
prov. 22 Oct. as his cousin
Dame Rose Buckworth,
wife of Sir Tobias Poyntz
(Dublin Register of Wills).

~~T~1
Sarah,
dau. and
coh.

Anne,
dau. and
coheir.

Lucy, dau. of Francis Lucas,=j=Charles Poyntz, son and
mar. articles dated 15 Dec. | heir of Brenock, Acton,
and mar. licence 1684, and
settl. after mar. 14 and 15
Mai'. 1687, inrolled in Chan-
cery, Dublin, retnar

Savage.

and Shane Castle, died
before 1707. Admou.
granted to Edw. Lucas
to use of relict Lucy
12 Dec. 1712.

Christian1
Poyntz,
married
1686.

Roger Hall
of Mount
Hall.

Sarah Poyntz."

Lucas Poyntz,only child
and heir, born 1688,
matric. Trinity College,
Dublin, 1704 as son of
Charles Poyntz of iShane
Castle, Esq., aged 16
years. Will dated 2 Ap.
1707, in which he na-
mes 11 my mother Lucy
Savage," s.p.

Richard Close=
of Warring-
ton, co. Down,
Clerk in Holy
Orders, mar.
1705, died 10
April 1716.

:RoseHall,only=j=Charles Stewart, son of Alexr.
dau. and heir, Stewart of Wester Cluny^ co.
bornl687,died Perth, Cornet 5th Dragoons
11 Feb. 1779, 13 Feb. 1728-9, Lieut. 27 Aug.
aged 92 years, 1737. Capt. of an independent
buried at Lis- | company in Ireland, died in
burne. M.I. command at Carrickfergus 4
| June 1774 and bur. there. Will
I prov. at Belfast 9 Sep. follow-
I ing. M.I.

Charles Stewart of Ballin-
toy Castle, cp. Antrim,
a Col. in the Army, killed
in action in Spain 1711.
Will prov. 1712
Consist. Ct. Dioc. Connor.

Archibald Stew-=pLeonora, dau.

art of Ballintoy,
Clerk in Holy
Orders, Chancel-
lor of the Diocese
of Connor, mar.
lie. dated
Will dated
Both Dublin Re-
cord Office.

of JohnVesey,
successively
Bishop of Li-
merick and
Archbishop of
Tuam, died
1716.

■

• -I

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Historical and genealogical memoir of the family of Poyntz : or, eight centuries of an English house"

See other formats